Qal’at al-Bahrain – Ancient Harbour and Capital of Dilmun
Qal'at al-Bahrain is a typical mound, i.e. an artificial mound formed by several successive layers of human habitation. The 300 x 600 m mound stratigraphy testifies to the continuous human presence from 2300 BC to the 16th century AD. About 25% of the site has been excavated and different types of buildings have been found: residential, public, commercial, religious and military. They testify to the importance of the site as a trading port in past centuries. On top of the 12-meter-high mound there is an impressive Portuguese fortress, which gave the whole site its name of qal'a (fortress). The site was the capital of Dilmun, one of the most important ancient civilizations in the region. The richest remains of this civilization, which until now was known only from written records of the Sumerians, are preserved here.