Archaeologists in Kuwait have made a remarkable discovery—an ancient temple dating back 4,000 years from the Dilmun civilization, found on Failaka Island. Authorities are calling it one of the most significant archaeological finds in recent decades, according to *Al Qabas*.
The National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters (NCCAL) announced the discovery on Sunday. The excavation was carried out by a joint Kuwaiti–Danish team from the Moesgaard Museum during the 2025 excavation season.
Mohammed bin Redha, Acting Assistant Secretary-General for the Antiquities and Museums Sector at NCCAL, revealed that the team uncovered the full layout of a Bronze Age temple buried under a previously discovered Dilmun temple, found just last year. Both temples date back nearly 4,000 years, establishing that two sacred structures were built at the same site, one on top of the other.
The NCCAL continues to support ongoing excavation, restoration, and research efforts to preserve Kuwait’s rich ancient heritage.
The excavations took place east of the Dilmun palace and temple at Tell F6, an ancient mound connected to the early history of the Dilmun civilization.
Dr. Stefan Larsson, head of the Danish mission, explained that previous digs had revealed fragments of a temple platform dating back to around 1900 BCE. The newly uncovered structure beneath it contained foundations, seals, and pottery vessels. He noted that this discovery is a significant step forward in understanding the religious practices of Dilmun.
Dr. Hassan Ashkanani, an archaeologist from Kuwait University, described the find as “a remarkable archaeological milestone.” He explained that the discovery of two temples from 1900–1800 BCE offers new insights into the religious and civic architecture of ancient Dilmun.
The discovery brings the total number of known temples in the southwest part of Failaka Island to four. Experts believe this region once functioned as a major administrative and spiritual center during the Bronze Age.
Dr. Ole Herslund, the excavation supervisor since 2022, stated that researchers would now conduct a detailed analysis of both temples—examining everything from their architecture to ritual activities—to better understand how Dilmun’s religious and political systems influenced life on the island.
Failaka Island, located just 20 kilometers off Kuwait’s coast, was a bustling hub for the Dilmun civilization, which thrived across the Gulf region during the Bronze Age.
