Mideast in Pictures: Qal’at al-Bahrain: ancient capital of Dilmun

MANAMA, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) — Perched on the northern coast of Bahrain Island, Qal’at al-Bahrain is a man-made mound formed by centuries of continuous human settlement. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, it stands as a testament to the island’s deep-rooted historical significance.

According to UNESCO, the site was the capital of the Dilmun, one of the most important ancient civilizations of the region. The site contains the most extensive remains of Dilmun ever discovered — a civilization previously known mainly through written references in Sumerian texts.