Bahrain is the site of one of the oldest civilizations in the world, known as Dilmun. Founded during the Bronze Age (3500 B.C.), Dilmun, one of the great trading powers of the ancient world, lasted for more than 2,000 years. Dilmun thrived because of its location along the trade routes linking Mesopotamia (now southern Iraq) with the Indus Valley (now part of India and Pakistan). The Dilmun empire eventually declined, and about 600 B.C., the territory became part of the Babylonian empire.

From the 4th century B.C. until the 7th century A.D., when the inhabitants accepted the personal invitation of the prophet Mohammed to convert to Islam, the islands were known by their Greek name, Tylos. Little is known about this period, but Tylos was renowned for its seawater pearls.

Bahrain had a series of Islamic rulers during the Middle Ages. In the 1560s, the Portuguese colonized Bahrain. The Arab inhabitants drove them out in 1602, when the Portuguese governor ordered the execution of the brother of one of the island's most important traders. The islands then became part of the Persian Empire. In 1783, the Al-Khalifa family took control of the islands. Descendants of this family still rule Bahrain.

Beginning in 1820, Britain gained control over Bahrain and other Gulf countries by treaties that were designed to protect its sea route to India. The treaties initially declared that Britain would not interfere in local affairs. However, by the end of the 19th century, when the Ottoman Turks, French, Russians and Germans threatened British domination of the Gulf, Britain became more involved in Bahrain's politics and economy.

In 1923, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalita came to power. Hamad began a program of modernization and reform, with the help of a British advisor called Charles Belgrave. In 1932, large-scale drilling and processing of oil began in Bahrain. Schools, hospitals and an airport were built. In 1935, Bahrain became the main British naval base in the region.

In 1968, the British announced that they would withdraw from the Gulf in 1971. When they withdrew, Bahrain declared its independence. In 1981, Bahrain joined Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Saudi Arabia to form the Gulf Cooperation Council, a union which has led to closer economic and defence ties. Today, Bahrain is ruled by Emir Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa.

Did you know?

Qala'at Al-Bahrain contains the remnants of Assyrian buildings from the 1st century B.C. and a Portuguese fort from the 16th century A.D. There is evidence of settlement on the site dating back to 3000 B.C.