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Sar Burial Complex: Echoes of the Dilmun Civilization

Explore the ancient Sar Burial Complex in Bahrain, a window into the Dilmun civilization's rich history and unique burial customs dating back 4000 years.

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Explore the Sar Burial Complex in Saar, Bahrain, an archaeological site dating back 4,000 years to the Dilmun civilization. Wander through numerous burial mounds (tumuli) that served as the final resting places for Dilmun elite, offering insights into ancient funerary customs and social structures.

A brief summary to Sar Burial Complex

Local tips

  • Visit during the cooler months (November to March) for a more comfortable experience, as Bahrain's summers can be very hot.
  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain, as the burial complex involves navigating ancient mounds.
  • Bring water and sunscreen, especially if visiting during the day, to protect yourself from the sun.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Saar Temple for a more comprehensive understanding of the Dilmun civilization.
  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the strongest heat and enjoy a more peaceful exploration.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From major hubs in the Northern Region, take the X2 bus towards Saar. Alight at the Saar Avenue-10 bus stop. From there, walk approximately 5 minutes, following the road towards the Sar Burial Complex. The bus fare is approximately 0.30 BHD. Purchase a GO Card for convenient travel on public transport.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services (Uber, Careem) are readily available in Bahrain. A taxi ride from Manama to the Sar Burial Complex will cost approximately 3-8 BHD, depending on traffic. The journey takes around 20-30 minutes. Ensure the driver knows the location or use GPS coordinates (26.1825226, 50.4891513).

  • Driving

    If driving from Manama, take the Sheikh Isa Bin Salman Highway towards Saar. Exit onto Avenue 27 and follow the signs to the Sar Burial Complex. The journey takes approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Free parking is available next to the Sar Burial Complex.

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Discover more about Sar Burial Complex

The Sar Burial Complex, located in Saar, Bahrain, is an extraordinary archaeological site that whispers tales of the ancient Dilmun civilization. Dating back approximately 4,000 years, this complex offers a unique window into the burial customs, social hierarchy, and daily life of a society that thrived in this region millennia ago. The Dilmun civilization flourished in Bahrain and the surrounding region from the 3rd to the 1st millennium BCE, serving as a major trading hub connecting Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley. The complex is composed of numerous burial mounds, also known as tumuli, which served as the final resting places for members of the Dilmun elite, including royalty and nobility. These mounds vary in size and construction, reflecting the status and importance of the individuals interred within. Each grave typically consists of a rectangular chamber, often enclosed by an arc of outer walling, creating a series of cells that multiply outwards from a central point. This type of burial arrangement is unique to Bahrain and provides valuable insights into the social organization and funerary practices of the Dilmun civilization. Archaeological excavations at the Sar Burial Complex have unearthed a wealth of artifacts, including pottery, jewelry, and tools, offering glimpses into the daily lives and cultural practices of the Dilmun people. Informational plaques are placed throughout the complex offering context and details regarding the mounds and their significance within the Dilmun culture. Visiting the Sar Burial Complex is an immersive experience that engages the senses and stimulates the imagination. As you walk among the ancient mounds, you can almost hear the echoes of the past, the whispers of the Dilmun people, and the stories of a civilization that shaped the history of Bahrain and the wider region.

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