DIlmun, the name of the prehistoric civilization that once resided in modern day Bahrain, were at the heart of ancient trade routes. Unlike any other experience, this 4 hour tour will awaken the archeologist within you as you retrace the steps of this archaic civilization and discover their cultures, arts, and traditions.
Thought to be once the centre of power for the ancient Dilmun civilization, Qal’at Al Bahrain (Bahrain Fort) has UNESCO World Heritage status. The Bahrain Fort occupies a strategic military position where the navigation movement could be watched. Excavations have revealed ancient soldier’s barracks, horse stables, an ammunition depot, a secret passageway, ceramic utensils and Islamic and Chinese currency coins.
The Barbar Temples are among the most remarkable architectural survivals of the ancient world without parallel in the region. This archaeological site, located in the North-western village of Barbar in Bahrain, is considered to be part of the Ancient Dilmun culture. The archaeologists found three temples built on top of each other belonging to different eras.
The settlement itself is located on a small but prominent eastern outcrop of a limestone ridge which provides about the only natural elevation in the northern part of Bahrain. Immediately west of the settlement and on the highest part of the ridge is the Saar burial field, while to the south there are two cemetery complexes of interconnected graves. The settlement is spread over an estimated area of between 15,000 and 23,000 sq m, of which 7,500 sq m was excavated. Saar is a well laid out settlement with a main street running up from the southeastern outskirts. It has a temple in the centre at the crossroads of the settlement and two and three roomed buildings constructed in rows with standard room plans and suites of domestic installations. Over 80 buildings, mainly houses, were investigated by the Expedition, as well as a well and a gypsum kiln.
The so-called ‘Honeycomb burial mounds lies less than half-a-kilometre to the south of the Dilmun town. There are large number of interconnecting graves in this ancient site. It is a type of burial unique to Bahrain.
These archaeological mounds are of great historical importance going back to the Dilmun civilization in the third millennium BC. Other archaeological mounds, which go back to the Hellenistic period of Alexander the Great (2500 BC) are also found in various areas in Bahrain. The most imposing mounds are those believed to be the Dilmunite Royal Tombs. These tombs are seen in A’ali close to modern dwellings.
One of the first museums in the Gulf, the Bahrain National Museum opened in 1988. The site itself, on the edge of the sea, is a tremendous attraction, adding to its contemporary ambience which is influenced by the white travertine façade and dramatic courtyard decorated with contemporary sculptures. Its the place to learn Bahrain’s history, culture & traditions.