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Saar Temple: Echoes of the Dilmun Civilization

Discover the Saar Temple in Bahrain, a window into the ancient Dilmun civilization and its fascinating history and culture.

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Explore the Saar Temple, an archaeological site in Bahrain that unveils the mysteries of the Dilmun civilization, which thrived in the region over 4,000 years ago. This well-preserved site offers a unique window 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 experience exploring the outdoor site.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the site involves walking over uneven terrain.
  • Bring water and sunscreen, as there is limited shade available at the site.
  • 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 Saar Avenue-10 bus stop, which is approximately a 5-minute walk (371 meters) to the Saar Temple. The bus fare is approximately 0.30 BHD. Check the Bahrain Public Transport Company website or app for the most up-to-date schedules.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from central Manama to Saar Temple will cost approximately 3-5 BHD, depending on traffic and the specific location in Manama. The journey takes around 20-30 minutes.

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Discover more about Saar Temple

The Saar Temple, officially known as the Saar Archaeological Site, is located in the town of Saar, west of Manama. This well-preserved archaeological site provides a captivating glimpse into the Dilmun civilization, which flourished in the region over 4,000 years ago. Discovered in the late 1970s, excavations have revealed the remnants of a well-planned town that existed between approximately 2100 and 1850 BC. As you approach the Saar Temple, you're immediately struck by the contrast between the ancient ruins and the modern landscape. The site is located on a small, elevated outcrop of limestone, providing panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the futuristic skyline of Manama. 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, which is 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. South of the residential area lies the town's burial complex, characterized by its unique honeycomb-like structure of interconnected graves.

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