Dilmun Hall
D
ilmun was located on the crossroads of the trading routes between the Indus Valley and Mesopotamia.We know from Mesopotamian inscriptions and successive archaeological excavations that Dilmun was a major link between these early civilizations.
According to Mesopotamian records, particularly the Gilgamesh epic,
Dilmun was regarded as a Holy Land. It played a significant role in the history of the ancient world. The articles on exhibit in this hall were found in the graves, settlements and temples of Bahrain.
The most ancient objects are flint tools and weapons belonging to Stone Age who hunted here more than 7000 years ago. The Hall's major finds relate to Dilmun's main historical periods:
Formative Dilmun (3200 - 2200 BC):
It is in this period that the earliest mention of name Dilmun occurs in Mesopotamian inscriptions. New civilizations had emerged.
Early Dilmun (2200 - 1600 BC):
This was the Golden Age of Dilmun during which it reached the zenith of its prosperity and influence. Dilmun controlled the trading routes and built fortified cities, magnificent temples and thousands of burial mounds.
Middle Dilmun (1600 - 1000 BC):
Mesopotamia was under Kassite rule at this time. The correspondence between rulers, cuneiform tablets, cylinder seals and pottery on display is all evidence of interaction between Dilmun and Mesopotamia.
Late Dilmun (1000 - 330 BC):
This period was marked by the decline of the copper trade, so long controlled by Dilmun, and the switch to a less important role in the new flourishing trade of incense and spices. The discovery of the impressive Uperi Palace at Ras al Qalah greatly increased our knowledge of this period.
The collection of Dilmun seals feature prominently in this Hall. The round stamp seals, as opposed to the square seals of neighbouring civilizations, are the primary evidence that Dilmun had its own trade relations with the outside world. The exhibits trace the sequence of development of the stamp seals over time as represented by the variety of materials and social and religious subjects portrayed.
