Archaeologists in Kuwait have uncovered a 4,000-year-old temple from the Dilmun civilization on Failaka Island. Authorities describe the discovery as one of the most significant archaeological finds in decades, Al Qabas reported.
The National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) announced the discovery on Sunday. A joint Kuwaiti–Danish team from the Moesgaard Museum located the temple during the 2025 excavation season.
Two Ancient Temples on the Same Site
Mohammed bin Redha, Acting Assistant Secretary-General for the Antiquities and Museums Sector at NCCAL, said the team uncovered the full layout of a Bronze Age temple buried under another Dilmun temple found last year. Both temples date back nearly 4,000 years, confirming that two sacred structures were built on the same site, one above the other.
He added that the NCCAL continues to support excavation, restoration, and research projects to preserve Kuwait’s ancient heritage.
New Insight into Dilmun Religion
The excavations were conducted east of the Dilmun palace and temple at Tell F6, an ancient mound linked to early Dilmun history.
Dr. Stefan Larsson, head of the Danish mission, said earlier digs had revealed fragments of a temple platform dated to around 1900 BCE. The newly uncovered structure beneath it contained foundations, seals, and pottery vessels. He said the find is a major step toward understanding Dilmun’s religious practices.
“Remarkable Archaeological Milestone”
Kuwait University archaeologist Dr. Hassan Ashkanani called the discovery “a remarkable archaeological milestone.” The presence of two temples from 1900–1800 BCE, he said, offers new insight into the religious and civic architecture of ancient Dilmun.
The discovery raises the total number of known temples in the island’s southwest to four. Experts believe this area once served as a major administrative and spiritual center during the Bronze Age.
Ongoing Research
Dr. Ole Herslund, excavation supervisor since 2022, said researchers will now analyze both temples in detail — from architecture to ritual activities — to better understand how Dilmun’s religious and political systems shaped life on the island.
Failaka Island, located 20 kilometers off Kuwait’s coast, was a thriving hub of the Dilmun civilization, which flourished across the Gulf region during the Bronze Age.
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