Portuguese Fort Calat Al-Bahrain

The Portuguese fort of Calat Al-Bahrain is an artificial hill formed by cultural layers, today it is a place of active archaeological excavations. The height of the hill, reaching from 300 to 600 meters, allows you to estimate the duration of the presence of people in the region. Scientists believe that the history of the settlement begins in 2300 BC. In 2005, this place was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Archaeological excavations carried out on the territory of Qalat al-Bahrain allowed to open only 25% of the hill, as a result of which the remains of a variety of buildings were exposed: residential, public, commercial, religious and military. The top of the 12-meter hill is crowned by an imposing Portuguese fort, which gave the name of this area ("kala" means "fortress"). The gradual silting of the shipping canal that passes here has led to the loss of interest of the Portuguese to this place.

Here, in ancient times, was the capital of Dilmun, one of the most influential ancient countries in the region. In the city were found the remains of an ancient culture, previously known only from references in the traditions of the Sumerians texts.