Dilmun facts for kids

Dilmun was an ancient land that people in Mesopotamia (a very old civilization) wrote about. It was a big trading partner and a place where a lot of copper came from. Dilmun was also like a busy airport or port for trade between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley Civilization.

Even though we don't know its exact spot, Dilmun was probably on the islands of Bahrain and Failaka island in Kuwait. It also had a presence in parts of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and the nearby Iranian coast in the Persian Gulf. In the famous story, the Epic of Gilgamesh, the hero Gilgamesh had to travel through Mount Mashu to reach Dilmun.

We first learned about Dilmun from ancient Sumerian writings. These were found on cuneiform clay tablets from around 4,000 years ago.

What Was Dilmun?

Dilmun was a very important place in the ancient world. It was known as a land of trade and a source of valuable goods. Imagine it as a busy crossroads for ships and caravans carrying goods between powerful empires.

A Hub for Trade

Dilmun acted as a central point for trade between two of the biggest ancient civilizations: Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) and the Indus Valley Civilization (modern-day Pakistan and India). Goods like copper, pearls, and other materials passed through Dilmun. This made it a rich and powerful place.

The Land of Copper

One of Dilmun's most important roles was providing copper. Copper was a vital metal in the Bronze Age, used for tools, weapons, and art. Dilmun helped supply this important metal to Mesopotamia, which needed it for its growing cities and armies.

Where Was Dilmun Located?

Historians and archaeologists believe Dilmun was mainly located on the islands of Bahrain and Failaka island in Kuwait. However, its influence spread much wider.

A Wider Reach

Evidence suggests that Dilmun's trading network and culture reached into the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and even parts of the Iranian coast. This shows how important and widespread its influence was across the Persian Gulf.

Dilmun in Ancient Stories

Dilmun was so well-known that it even appeared in ancient myths. In the famous Epic of Gilgamesh, Dilmun is described as a special, faraway land. This shows that it was a legendary place even to people living thousands of years ago.

How Do We Know About Dilmun?

Our knowledge of Dilmun comes from two main sources: ancient writings and archaeological discoveries.

Clues from Clay Tablets

The earliest mentions of Dilmun are found on Sumerian cuneiform clay tablets. These are ancient writings pressed into wet clay. They tell us about Dilmun's role in trade and its connections with Mesopotamia. Some tablets even mention specific goods sent to or from Dilmun.

Discoveries from the Ground

Archaeologists have found many ancient sites in Bahrain and Kuwait that match the descriptions of Dilmun. These sites include old settlements, burial mounds, and artifacts like unique stamp seals. These discoveries help us understand what life was like in Dilmun and confirm its importance in ancient times.

Images for kids

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  Receipt for garments sent by boat to Dilmun in the 1st year of Ibbi-Sin's rule, circa 2028 BCE. British Museum BM 130462.

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  Bull's head, made of copper in the early period of Dilmun (ca. 2000 BC), discovered by Danish archeologists under Barbar Temple, Bahrain.

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  Correspondence between Ilī-ippašra, the governor of Dilmun, and Enlil-kidinni, the governor of Nippur, ca. 1350 BC

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  Dilmun stamp seal with hunters and goats, rectangular pen, ca early 2nd millennium BC

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  Ruins of a settlement, believed to be from the Dilmun civilization, in Sar, Bahrain

See also

In Spanish: Dilmún para niños