SAAR SITE

The Saar site was discovered in 1977 by Bahraini archeologists. Excavations were conducted by a Franco-British team from 1990 to 1999. Buried foundations under the sand date from 2050 B.C. This is one of the oldest human settlements in Bahrain, developed at the same time as Qal 'at Al Bahrain. In addition to this testimony from the early stages of humanity, what is impressive in Saar is of course the presence of such a rich site in the heart of the city. East of the archeological zone, the foundations of the city are well visible, houses and a temple have been discovered. In the west, a necropolis similar to Al Ali, although smaller, is also present. Many objects and artifacts have been unearthed: seals that sealed the goods (in very large numbers, which is surprising for such a small village), copper spikes (a mine not far from it), bitumen (probably coming from Mesopotamia, which would prove the ancient commercial ties of the archipelago with the continent); and too small pearls to adorn jewelry. These antiques are visible at the National Museum. The lack of infrastructure around this site can be regretted. But visiting this place freely is not unpleasant either.