A remarkable archaeological discovery has emerged from Kuwait, where the country’s National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters (NCCAL) announced the finding of an ancient well on Failaka Island. Known in antiquity as Ikaria, the island once served as a naval base for Nearchus, a famed admiral of Alexander the Great, and later for the Seleucid dynasty, his successors.
A Glimpse into the Past
The well, dating back to the pre-Islamic and early Islamic periods, is particularly notable for its large size and abundant water supply. It was found within the courtyard of a grand residence from the 7th or 8th century AD, according to Mohammad bin Redha, Deputy Secretary-General for Antiquities and Museums at NCCAL.
Artifacts Uncovered Near the Well
According to Kuwait’s KUNA news agency, the excavation revealed not only the well but also stone foundations of an adjacent structure, remnants of an immense wall surrounding the courtyard, and ceramic artifacts estimated to be 1,300 to 1,400 years old. These findings highlight the island’s historical significance during its transition from the pre-Islamic to the early Islamic era.
This discovery is part of an ongoing Kuwaiti-Slovak archaeological mission launched in 2019, focusing on one of the region’s most historically rich sites, Al-Qusour. Dr. Hassan Ashkanani, a professor of archaeology and anthropology at Kuwait University, described it as one of the most significant archaeological discoveries on Failaka Island.
He emphasized that the well and surrounding artifacts provide crucial insights into the island’s cultural and economic activities during the transition from Christianity to early Islam.
Precious Stones Come to Light
Among the most extraordinary finds were over five kilograms of precious gemstones, including rubies and purple amethysts, pointing to an active trade and economic network on the island more than 1,400 years ago.
Meanwhile, Dr. Matej Rutkay, head of the Slovak excavation team, announced that their 2025 excavation season will focus on the northern sector of Al-Qusour, a site that has previously revealed evidence of a courtyard and a grand residence, believed to have belonged to a prominent figure of the time.
A Site of Great Archaeological Interest
The newly uncovered structure measures 38 meters in length and 34 meters in width, with the house alone covering 97 square meters. The well, measuring 4.5 meters long and 4 meters wide, is situated within an ancient water channel, underscoring the site’s advanced engineering.
Spanning two kilometers east to west and one kilometer inland, Al-Qusour is considered one of the most significant and evolving archaeological sites on Failaka Island. Previous excavations have revealed foundations of ancient churches, limestone and mudbrick houses, and artifacts made of gypsum, ceramics, and precious stones, representing different historical periods.
Failaka Island remains a focal point for archaeological research, shedding light on Kuwait’s rich cultural heritage and historical role in the region.
