Qal’at al Bahrain, also known as Bahrain Fort, is one of the country’s most important historical treasures. Located on the northern coast of Bahrain Island, this imposing archaeological site has been witness to thousands of years of the nation’s history. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, Qal’at al Bahrain represents a window into the past that allows visitors to discover ruins of the capital city of the ancient Dilmun civilisation, which was central to the trading network of the Persian Gulf. With strata indicating that the site was populated for three consecutive millennia, the walls and structures of this artificial hill or tell are testament to past empires and cultures that have left an indelible mark on the region. From the panoramic views from the top of the structure to the in-depth exhibits housed inside the museum, every corner of Qal’at al Bahrain invites visitors to delve into the historical legacy of this fascinating country.
History and context
Qal’at al-Bahrain has played a crucial role in the history of Bahrain and the wider Persian Gulf. Its occupation dates back to 2300 BC during the Dilmun period, which was one of the oldest and most prominent civilisations in the region. This strategic hilltop site became an important trading centre, serving as both a port and fortress that protected the maritime trade routes between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley. Its location at the mouth of a natural canal facilitated its development as an economic and cultural hub.
Qal’at al-Bahrain was occupied by various civilisations over the centuries, including the Persian, Portuguese and Omani civilisations. Each would leave their mark on the architecture and leave behind artefacts that would be uncovered many years later. The Portuguese, who controlled the fort in the 16th century, further fortified it to protect their commercial interests in the region. The fort’s ruins and archaeological findings tell a rich tale of Bahrain’s history, highlighting the structure’s importance in the history of Persian trade and culture.
What to see in Qal’at al Bahrain
Visitors are able to explore a number of fascinating structures that reveal the complexity and richness of Bahrain’s history. The impressive 16th-century Portuguese fort is built predominantly of limestone and characterised by thick ramparts and defensive towers, offering wonderful panoramic views of the surrounding area. Visitors are able to stroll through the fort’s ruins, exploring its courtyards, halls and passages that evoke the spirit of its former inhabitants. The imposing ramparts and watchtowers are testament to the site’s strategic importance over the centuries.
Besides the fort, many other important discoveries have been made at Qal’at al-Bahrain. These include the remains of dwellings, temples, markets and an ancient lighthouse, offering a detailed insight into the daily life and commercial practices of ancient civilisations that once inhabited the site. The ancient capital of Dilmun was first referred to in the Epic of Gilgamesh (2500 BC) as the “land of immortality”, the spiritual homeland of the Sumerians and a meeting place of the gods.
Archaeological site and museum
The Qal’at al-Bahrain archaeological site, covering a vast area that has been occupied by different human civilisations over several millennia, is one of the most important in the region. While the Dilmun civilisation is the oldest and most important one, remains of up to seven different civilisations have been discovered on-site. The first excavations were carried out by a Danish team of archaeologists in 1954. Since then, the excavation work has been continued by French and, more recently, Bahraini teams. Despite all the work that has been undertaken to date, only 25% of the total area has been excavated.
The site consists of four main parts: the artificial hill, or tell, on which the Portuguese fort and other structures stand; the remains of an ancient lighthouse; a sea channel leading from said lighthouse to the city; and palm groves. Excavation activity has uncovered numerous artefacts that provide an intriguing and comprehensive insight into life in ancient Bahrain. Some of the most notable discoveries have been ceramics, tools and trade objects, which have led experts to believe that the Dilmun civilisation had a well-developed trade network. These artefacts not only demonstrate that the area was technologically advanced, but also that its inhabitants were culturally and economically sophisticated.
The Qal’at al-Bahrain museum, located close to the fort, is an extension of the archaeological site. It offers a comprehensive journey through the site’s history, with five galleries covering five different historical periods. It houses an impressive collection of more than 500 objects uncovered during excavations, including jewels, weapons and domestic utensils. Each gallery is meticulously curated to educate visitors about the different civilisations that have occupied the site, from the Dilmun era to the Islamic period. The museum, which includes interactive exhibitions and informative panels, lends to a much more enriching visitor experience.
