Saar Temple: Echoes of the Dilmun Civilization

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Unearth Bahrain's ancient Dilmun past at Saar Temple: Explore a 4,000-year-old settlement and temple, revealing the secrets of a lost civilization.

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Saar Temple

Explore the Saar Temple, an archaeological site in Bahrain that unveils the mysteries of the Dilmun civilization, which thrived over 4,000 years ago. This well-preserved site offers a unique glimpse into the lives, beliefs, and societal structures of this ancient culture.

A brief summary to Saar Temple

5FMQ+2M2, Saar, BH

Local tips

Visit during the cooler months (December to March) for a more comfortable outdoor exploration.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the site involves walking over uneven terrain.
Bring a camera to capture the stunning architecture and scenic surroundings.
Combine your visit with a trip to the Bahrain National Museum to see artifacts discovered at the Saar Temple and learn more about the Dilmun civilization.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Manama, take the X2 bus towards Saar. Alight at the 'Saar Avenue-10' bus stop, which is approximately a 6-minute walk (467 meters) from the temple. A single bus fare costs approximately 0.300 BHD. Check the Bahrain Public Transport Company website or app for the most up-to-date schedules.
Taxi/Ride-Share

From central Saar, a taxi or ride-share is the most convenient way to reach Saar Temple. The ride is short, typically costing between 1-2 BHD. Simply provide the driver with the destination 'Saar Temple' or the coordinates (26.1825226, 50.4891513). Ensure the driver uses the meter, as mandated by Bahrain law.

Discover more about Saar Temple

The Saar Temple, officially known as the Saar Archaeological Site, is located in Saar, west of Manama. This well-preserved site offers a captivating journey back to the Dilmun era, a civilization that flourished in this region over 4,000 years ago. Discovered in the late 1970s, excavations revealed the remnants of a well-planned town that existed between approximately 2100 and 1850 BC. The Saar settlement was a thriving community of merchants who played a vital role in the ancient Arabian Gulf trade network. The town was strategically located to facilitate the movement of goods between Oman, the Indus Valley, and Mesopotamia. The heart of the Saar settlement is the temple complex, believed to have been a central place of worship and a focal point for community gatherings. The temple's design is unique, featuring a trapezoid-shaped room with a small storage area and three central columns that once supported the roof. Archaeologists believe that the temple was used to mark the summer solstice, highlighting the advanced astronomical knowledge of the Dilmun civilization. Surrounding the temple are the remains of residential buildings, offering a glimpse into the domestic lives of the Saar inhabitants. These structures reveal insights into their domestic activities, social organization, and economic pursuits. Artifacts discovered within the households include pottery, tools, copper fishhooks, bitumen nodules, and shells from shellfish, including pearl oysters. The interconnected burial grounds, with their honeycomb-like design, are also a significant feature of the site.