Kuwait Unveils Ancient Secrets: Unprecedented Findings at Bahra 1, Subiya
A 7,700-year-old settlement has been brought to light, rewriting the history of the Arabian Peninsula. But here’s where it gets fascinating: among the discoveries are remnants of a bygone era, offering a glimpse into the lives of our ancestors.
On November 17, 2025, the NCCAL (National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters) unveiled extraordinary archaeological treasures at Bahra 1, located in Kuwait’s northern Subiya region. The site has yielded an astonishing array of artifacts, including:
– Ancient Kilns: Over 20 kilns, estimated to be around 7,700 years old, hinting at early pottery production.
– Owl Idol: A unique find, half of a sculpted winged owl, perhaps a symbol of ancient beliefs.
– Barley: Remnants of locally grown barley, an incredible 7,500 years old, suggesting early agriculture.
– Clay Artifacts: Vessels, a small human head, figurines, and a boat model, some shattered during creation, providing insight into ancient craftsmanship.
But here’s where it gets controversial…
Mohammed bin Reda from NCCAL’s Antiquities and Museums Sector revealed that Bahra 1 is the oldest and largest settlement linked to the Ubaid culture in the Arabian Peninsula, dating back to 5700 BCE. These artifacts, he believes, vividly portray the daily lives of this ancient community.
The Polish archaeological team’s dedication to both field and lab work has paid off. They employed ground-penetrating radar, uncovering hidden cultural remains that may hold more secrets. This technique, a testament to modern archaeology’s precision, ensures minimal disturbance to the site while revealing its hidden layers.
Dr. Hassan Ashkanani from Kuwait University emphasized the significance of these findings for understanding the Subiya region’s early communities. He highlighted how these discoveries build upon previous excavations, which revealed workshops for creating ornaments and jewelry from seashells.
Dr. Agnieszka Binkowska, part of the Polish team, shed light on ancient daily life, including food preparation and pottery production using local clay and wild plants. A surprising revelation: bitumen, a natural asphalt, was used as fuel!
Professor Anna Smogorzewska celebrated the newly discovered pottery and local workshop as a significant archaeological find, enriching our understanding of this ancient settlement.
This discovery challenges our understanding of ancient Arabian civilization, raising questions about their technology, beliefs, and daily lives. Were they more advanced than we thought? What other secrets lie beneath the sands of Subiya? The answers await further exploration, inviting archaeologists and enthusiasts alike to delve deeper into this captivating chapter of human history.