4,000-Year-Old Temple Uncovered in Kuwait

Archaeologists in Kuwait have announced a momentous discovery: an ancient temple dating back four millennia to the Dilmun civilization, found on Failaka Island. This find is being hailed by authorities as one of the most significant archaeological revelations in recent decades, according toAl Qabas.

The National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters (NCCAL) formally disclosed the discovery on Sunday. The excavation work was undertaken by a joint Kuwaiti–Danish expedition from the Moesgaard Museum during the designated 2025 excavation season.

Mohammed bin Redha, the Acting Assistant Secretary-General for the Antiquities and Museums Sector at NCCAL, revealed that the team successfully unearthed the complete layout of a Bronze Age temple. This structure was found buried beneath a Dilmun temple that had only been discovered last year. Both temples are dated to approximately 4,000 years ago, establishing that two distinct sacred buildings were constructed successively at the same hallowed site.

The NCCAL continues to provide essential support for ongoing excavation, restoration, and research initiatives crucial for preserving Kuwait’s rich ancient heritage.

The recent excavations were conducted to the east of the Dilmun palace and temple at Tell F6, an ancient mound historically associated with the early periods of the Dilmun civilization.

Dr. Stefan Larsson, who leads the Danish mission, clarified that prior digs had uncovered fragments of a temple platform dating to roughly 1900 BCE. The newly revealed structure beneath it contained well-preserved foundations, ancient seals, and various pottery vessels. He noted that this discovery marks a crucial step forward in comprehending the religious practices of the Dilmun people.

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 the 1900–1800 BCE period offers invaluable new perspectives into the religious and civic architecture of ancient Dilmun.

This latest find brings the total number of identified temples in the southwestern part of Failaka Island to four. Experts believe this area once functioned as a vital administrative and spiritual center during the Bronze Age.

Dr. Ole Herslund, the excavation supervisor since 2022, stated that researchers will now undertake a detailed analysis of both temples. This will involve examining everything from their architectural design to their ritualistic activities, with the aim of gaining a deeper understanding of how Dilmun’s religious and political systems influenced daily life on the island.

Failaka Island, situated just 20 kilometers off Kuwait’s coastline, served as a bustling hub for the Dilmun civilization, which prospered across the Arabian Gulf region throughout the Bronze Age.