Manama: A scientific study published in the Journal of Near Eastern Studies has revealed new insights into the administrative and political structure of the Dilmun civilisation, based on an analysis of three inscribed clay tokens discovered during archaeological excavations at sites in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The excavations were carried out by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities in collaboration with a team of international experts led by Dr. Steffen Terp Laursen, a specialist in Dilmun civilisation. The findings have resulted in a significant archaeological discovery for the Arabian Gulf region.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, stated that the study's findings further underscore Bahrain's significance as the homeland of the Dilmun civilisation and one of the region's most significant archaeological centres. He noted that Bahrain's archaeological sites continue to yield discoveries that deepen understanding of the region's history and highlighted the importance of preserving archaeological heritage, supporting scientific research, and strengthening cooperation between Bahraini institutions, international archaeological missions, and universities. Such discoveries, he added, contribute new insights into the history of Dilmun, a civilisation that served as a cultural and commercial link between Mesopotamia, the Arabian Gulf, and the wider ancient world.
The study contributes to a broader understanding of Dilmun's history and reinforces the understanding of Dilmun as a centrally governed civilisation with an independent political and administrative system that played a key role in connecting the Indus Valley, Mesopotamia, and Magan through trade networks. The discovered tokens provide evidence of a kingdom with centralised authority and an independent administrative structure. The identification of impressions from the same royal seal at both Al Maqsha and Qal'at al-Bahrain demonstrates the existence of a royal administrative apparatus overseeing organisational activities across different parts of the island during the first half of the second millennium BCE (1700-1650 BCE).
Dr. Steffen Terp Laursen, Dilmun specialist at Al Ain Museum, commented on the scientific significance of the discovery: "Holding an object sealed with the personal seal of Yagli-El, likely used during his youth as crown prince, offers a direct connection to the mechanisms of power in the Bronze Age. These inscriptions reveal a ruler whose authority was grounded in specific religious patronage, while his administrative influence extended across Bahrain's political and ritual landscape".
The study focused on analysing the royal titles appearing on the seals, where the name of King Yagli-El was associated with the title "Servant of Panipa". This finding is particularly significant when compared with inscriptions previously discovered in the Royal Burial Mounds of A'ali, where he was identified as "Servant of Inzak". Researchers suggest that this variation reflects different stages and positions held by the king throughout his lifetime. The title associated with Panipa may date to a period when he served as crown prince or held a senior religious office prior to ascending the throne, helping establish a clearer chronology for this Dilmun ruler.
The research also re-examined the geographical distribution of Dilmun religion, demonstrating that the worship of Panipa, consort of Inzak, was a central element of religious life in Qal'at al-Bahrain and ritual sites such as Al Maqsha, rather than being confined to Failaka Island as previously suggested in earlier studies. This connection suggests a cohesive religious and political system linking different parts of the kingdom.
From an administrative perspective, the study revealed evidence of a multi-seal authentication system used in resource management. The clay tokens bear impressions from several different seals, suggesting that they served as authorisations or permits granting access to specific areas or allowing holders to receive provisions from royal and temple storehouses. This level of bureaucratic organisation reflects the sophistication of Dilmun's administrative system and its ability to regulate the movement of resources and people through the use of cuneiform writing and seal impressions.
The study also aligns with the growing international recognition of Bahrain's archaeological heritage, particularly following the inscription of the Yagli-El inscriptions on UNESCO's Memory of the World Register in 2025. These newly discovered clay tokens provide important material evidence supporting scholarly interpretations of governance and administration in one of the most prominent maritime civilisations of the ancient world.