Archaeologists have uncovered a 2,300-year-old ancient Greek building and courtyard on Failaka Island (Greek: Φυλάκιο [ Fylakio]), Kuwait providing new evidence of the island’s role as a cultural and trade hub during the Hellenistic period.
Τhe Kuwaiti National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) announced the discovery, describing it as a significant step in understanding the island’s diverse historical landscape.
The find, made west of the Al-Qurainiya site in the island’s northern region, offers a rare glimpse into the architectural practices and daily life of the time.
The National Council for Culture, Arts & Letters (NCCAL) announces the discovery of a courtyard & building west of Al-Qurainiya site on Failaka Island, dating back 2,300 years to the Hellenistic periodhttps://t.co/O81lbT5uUw#KUNA pic.twitter.com/iJZiX6M72A
— Kuwait News Agency – English Feed (@kuna_en) February 16, 2025
Discovery of ancient Greek building and courtyard in Al-Qurainiya, Kuwait
Failaka Island is located about 20 kilometers off Kuwait’s coast and was part of the Seleucid Empire, a Greek-ruled state that emerged after the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BCE. Its location made it a key point along ancient maritime trade routes connecting Mesopotamia, Persia, and the broader Hellenistic world.
The excavation site at Al-Qurainiya overlooks the sea and has been the focus of archaeological work since 2014.
Researchers discovered stone foundations, an internal wall, and an entrance connecting the courtyard to a room where plastered walls and pottery fragments were found. Among the artifacts were pottery jars over 2,000 years old and a coin bearing what might be a maker’s mark.
Mohammad bin Redha, Acting Assistant Secretary-General for Antiquities and Museums, highlighted the discovery’s importance. “The remains at the Al-Qurainiya site include many residences built of limestone, mud bricks, and pottery from different time periods,” bin Redha said.
He added that the site reflects a mix of cultural influences, illustrating the island’s historical significance as a meeting point of civilizations.
Failaka’s Greek connection
The discovery reinforces Failaka’s historical ties to the Greek world. Archaeologists believe the courtyard and building were part of a larger settlement influenced by Greek architectural practices during the Hellenistic period.
The design of the structures indicates a blend of Greek techniques with local construction methods, reflecting the cultural exchange between Greek settlers and local communities.
Dr. Andrea De Micheli, who leads the University of Perugia’s archaeological team working with NCCAL, said the find expands current understanding of Greek influence on the island. “The newly discovered courtyard and building indicate the extension of Hellenistic presence to include the northern part of Failaka Island,” De Micheli said.
The discovery marks the first evidence of Greek-influenced structures in the island’s northern region. Previously, artifacts from the Hellenistic period were primarily concentrated in the southwest, near Tell Said.
Archaeologists suggest the Al-Qurainiya site may have served as a watchpoint, port, or administrative center, given its strategic coastal location.
Layers of life across centuries
Archaeological evidence suggests Failaka Island hosted various communities across different eras. Excavations revealed that the site was abandoned around the late eighth or early ninth century but saw renewed human activity from the late 18th century until the early 20th century.
Researchers discovered ovens, pottery, and household items that provide insights into domestic life during these periods.
“The newly discovered structures suggest a broader Hellenistic presence, indicating that the Al-Qurainiya site may have served as a watch point, port, or center, in addition to the residences, castle, and Hellenistic temples in the southern part,” said Dr. Hassan Ashkanani, a professor of archaeology and anthropology at Kuwait University.
This can also be supported by the name Failaka, which is thought to have derived from the Greek Fylakio, meaning “outpost” or “guard post” in English.
The Al-Qurainiya site spans approximately 500 meters along the coastline and extends 250 meters inland. Archaeologists continue their work in the area, hoping to uncover more evidence of the island’s historical significance as a center for cultural and commercial exchange.