Sabbiya, an area in northeast of Kuwait bears witness to human life and civilizations that existed thousands of years ago. — KUNA Photos

KUWAIT: Sabbiya, an area in northeast of Kuwait, bears witness to human life and civilizations that existed in this historic area thousands of years ago. Sabbiya, 50 kilometers from Al-Jahra City, includes historic sites and ancient archaeological relics, some of them dating back to the Ubaid civilization, which was one of the first civilizations in earth. Sabbiya was named after the Sabba sect who lived in Kuwait half a century ago. The Sabba were skilled in melting and manufacturing of gold.

Their name was similar to the name of their religion, explained Abdullah bin Nasser, a historian and researcher in Kuwait's history. Bin Nasser said Sabbiya witnessed three historic periods; the first was the Stone Age where the Ubaid civilization lived 4,500-5,500 BC. The civilization was named after a small hill known as Ubaid Hill. He said evidence of life was also found. Archaeologists found tools used by humans 7,300 years ago, foremost the "raha," a tool consisting of rocks used to crush seeds.

The skull of a human being who lived 4,000 BC was found as well. Bin Nasser said archaeologists also found a boat and a pearl, two necklaces made of sea shells, as well as colorful pottery pieces dated to 5,000 BC.  A recent discovery was of a footprint of a human being. Bin Nasser noted discovery of a rock, called the Rock of Mudeera, which has drawings of some animals which resembled herding in ancient times. The historian said the second age in Sabbiya was the Bronze Age, which acquired this name because humans back then used metals. Bin Nasser said a Gulf expedition discovered 14 graves and a big water well.

People from the Islamic Age also lived in Sabbiya. Bin Nasser said a Kuwait team of archaeologists discovered remains of a fortress with a wall around 30 meter-long. In each of the four corners is a round-shape tower. The fortress was believed to be the Kadhema Fortress, which was famous in the Islamic culture. Historians wrote about Kadhema, a distinguished feature in Sabbiya, when they mentioned the history of this particular region. - KUNA