New royal grave discovered in Bahrain
Bahrain, Culture, 4/2/1999

Archaeologists in Bahrain have discovered a large grave believed to contain the remains of a royal family from the Delmon civilization, which dates back to the third millennium BC.

In a statement to the Gulf Daily News published on Wednesday, chief of the archaeologists team in the downtown of al-Bamam Island, Kham Faraj, said, "We believe this grave is for a royal family from the Delmon age because it is the largest grave discovered so far."

He explained that the grave contains "three circular walls to protect the main grave. There are three smaller graves, which we think belong to members of the royal family."

Faraj added that the new discovery will help in a better understanding for the ancient civilization of Delmon. Another collective grave was also discovered at the same site which includes 4,000 graves including 39 for children and adolescents.

Bahrain, one of the smallest countries in the world, contains a graveyard that dates back to pre-history and contains 300,000 tombs. Last February archaeologists discovered two bronze swords as well as skeletons and sculptures and stamps made of bronze or pottery and other artifacts.

However, archaeological works in Bahrain aim at having a better understanding for the "vague" civilization of Delmon which flourished in Bahrain and the Eastern coasts of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait especially in the era between 2000-1700 BC.

Thanks to its strategic position on the cross-road between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley, the trade empire of Delmon played a key role as a trade area. However, it lost its glories following the elapse of the Indus civilization. About the year 800 BC Delmon came under the control of the state of "Assur."

Previous Stories:
  Majority of the Bahrainis under the age of 25   (3/31/1999)
  Two swords belonging to the fifth millennium BC discovered in Bahrain   (2/26/1999)

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