1,400-Year-Old Well Unearthed on Failaka Island

  • 16/03/2025

Archaeologists have discovered an ancient well on Failaka Island, dating back to the pre-Islamic and early Islamic periods. Announced by the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters, the well is notable for its size and flowing water. Found within the courtyard of a grand house from the 7th and 8th centuries AD, the site also revealed rock foundations of an adjacent building, a surrounding wall, and pottery fragments from 1,400 years ago. This discovery is part of ongoing excavations in the Al-Qusur area, a key archaeological site that has been under study since 2019.

Experts, including Dr. Hassan Ashkanani from Kuwait University, consider this one of the island’s most significant finds, highlighting cultural and economic activities during the Christian and early Islamic eras. The excavation also uncovered over 5 kilograms of precious stones, such as rubies and amethysts, indicating active trade. According to Dr. Matej Rutkay, head of the Slovak archaeological team, future research will focus on the northern part of the Qusur settlement, where past discoveries suggest the presence of affluent residences. Al-Qusur remains one of the most extensive historical sites on the island, featuring remnants of churches, houses, and artifacts from multiple time periods.

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