A recent analysis of beads discovered in the ancient city of Hama, Syria, has revealed that some were crafted from Baltic amber, transported over 3,000 kilometers. This remarkable find highlights Hama’s role in long-distance trade during the Iron Age and the Mesopotamian fascination with exotic goods.

Located in western Syria, Hama is among the oldest continuously inhabited cities, with evidence of human presence from the Late Neolithic to the Ottoman period (circa 6500 BCE to 1400 CE). Excavations conducted between 1931 and 1938 uncovered significant Iron Age artifacts, including cremation tombs filled with burial goods such as 51 beads, 17 of which resembled amber.

Baltic amber, a rare material in Syria, was primarily sourced from the Baltic coast and transported along the Amber Route, an extensive trade network connecting Northern Europe to the Mediterranean. This route facilitated the exchange of amber, a material prized for its beauty, therapeutic properties, and religious significance.

Iron Age baltic amber beads Syria
Places where amber beads have been found. Credit: M. N. Mortensen et al.

Despite the potential importance of these beads, they were not studied in detail until recently, remaining in storage at the National Museum of Denmark. A team of researchers, using advanced techniques like Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), confirmed the Baltic origin of the amber. These methods allowed the scientists to analyze the molecular composition of the material, demonstrating its near-perfect match with Baltic amber samples.

This discovery represents the first direct evidence of Baltic amber in Hama, further supporting the idea that the material was traded across vast distances. While historical records suggested that Baltic amber reached Mesopotamia, its presence in Hama had remained unverified until now.

In Mesopotamian culture, amber was considered an exotic and highly valued material. Ancient cuneiform texts describe its purported therapeutic benefits and its use in religious contexts, associating it with deities and rituals. The material’s geographical remoteness added to its mystique, elevating its status among the elite.

Iron Age baltic amber beads Syria
Close-up of two of the amber beads. Credit: M. N. Mortensen et al. / National Museum of Denmark

According to Dr. Mette Marie Hald, a co-author of the study from the National Museum of Denmark, Hama had developed extensive trade networks within and beyond the region for over 5,000 years. Amber, as one of the most distant materials to reach the city, would have been highly prized.

This study underscores the importance of revisiting museum collections, especially in regions like Syria where archaeological fieldwork is challenging due to ongoing conflicts. The rediscovery of the Hama beads not only sheds light on ancient trade networks but also demonstrates the potential of existing collections to enhance our understanding of the past.

The Hama collection is an invaluable resource for archaeological research, says Dr. Hald. This study highlights the significance of studying artifacts that have long been in museum storage.

By bridging scientific analysis with historical records, the findings illuminate the sophisticated trade networks of the Iron Age, reaffirming Hama’s prominence in connecting distant regions.

SOURCES

Antiquity Journal

Mortensen MN, Hald MM, Frydendahl J, et al. All the way from the Baltic: amber beads from an Iron Age grave at Hama, western Syria. Antiquity. Published online 2025:1-15. doi:10.15184/aqy.2024.231

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