Latest archeological finds uncover evidence of ‘Bahrain’s lost paradise’

TDT | Manama

Evidence of a lost paradise was amongst the latest archeological discoveries in Bahrain, it was revealed yesterday. Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities president Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa announced in an online press conference marking World Heritage Day a unique discovery that gives proof of what is said to be “Bahrain’s lost paradise”.

The find showed evidence of an abundance of greenery and spring water, Shaikha Mai said, noting that further upcoming studies will confirm what has been uncovered. Recent excavations have been carried out in the Kingdom in cooperation with a number of international missions from Japan, the UK, Denmark and France.

Another of their latest archeological discoveries was a building in Samaheej dating back to seventh century AD, which was perhaps a church, Shaikha Mai said. She explained that Samaheej was once a centre of Christianity before the emergence of Islam. Shaikha Mai also noted that tombs were discovered in Maqaba dating back to the Tylos period, while research work and exploration was being done at Bahrain Fort for the first time since 1978. Shaikha Mai was speaking at the conference alongside the Culture Authority’s Museums and Antiquities Department director Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa.

World Heritage Days is also known as the International Day for Monuments and Sites, and it is observed every year on April 18.