The Civilizational History Of Bahrain During The Tylos Period Until The End Of The Second Century AD

Abstract

This study examines the civilizational history of Bahrain during the period known as Tylos, from the early Hellenistic era until the end of the second century AD. It focuses on the political, economic, and cultural transformations that accompanied Bahrain’s integration into the networks of influence and trade within the ancient world. The research discusses the historical context of Greek knowledge of the Arabian Gulf through exploratory expeditions associated with the project of Alexander the Great, emphasizing that Bahrain was not conquered militarily by Alexander, but rather became known to the Greeks through maritime reconnaissance voyages that paved the way for understanding its resources, strategic location, and commercial role.

The study reviews Bahrain during the Seleucid period and beyond, highlighting the continued use of the name Tylos in classical sources until the second century AD. It also addresses the unresolved issue of the transition in nomenclature from Dilmun to Tylos, discussing various scholarly perspectives that associate this shift with linguistic transformations or with political and commercial relations with regional centers such as Palmyra.

The research places particular emphasis on local and regional identity during this period, demonstrating the presence of an Arab identity through archaeological evidence, including distinctive types of “Arab pottery” and the diversity of local products. These findings reflect a society that preserved its cultural distinctiveness despite Hellenistic influences. The study also examines Greek and Roman accounts describing Tylos as a land rich in pearls and agricultural resources, and it highlights evidence of monetary activity and extensive commercial relations linking Bahrain with Mesopotamia, Iran, India, and the Hellenistic world.

Furthermore, the research shows that the Tylos period represented an era of relative prosperity, driven by pearl diving, shipbuilding, trade, and the exchange of goods. It analyzes archaeological discoveries revealing the importation of diverse products and raises questions regarding whether these finds represent simple trade exchange or the presence of resident merchant communities or the transfer of technologies and craftsmen to the island. The study proposes a chronological division of the Tylos period into early, middle, and late phases to better understand developments in settlement patterns, economic activity, and political transformations.

The study concludes by tracing the settlement of Arab tribes in Bahrain and their role in establishing political and social entities, with particular focus on the formation of the Tannukh Confederation as an organized tribal alliance aimed at stability and mutual support. This alliance had political, military, and cultural consequences that extended into neighboring regions. Overall, the study affirms that Bahrain was an active civilizational center that combined local continuity with regional openness, and that examining this period provides a key to understanding the formation of Bahrain’s political and cultural identity prior to Islam.