Page "Manama" Paragraph 2

The north of Bahrain ’ s main island, which is dominated by Manama today, has seen human activity for roughly 5, 000 years, as is indicated from the remains around Bahrain Fort.

Early inhabitants are often associated with the historical Dilmun Civilisation though the historical records of Dilmun are scanty.

The islanders were soon, however, disturbed by a series of invaders, beginning with the Assyrians during the BC period and ending with the Arabs.

During these many centuries Bahrain was a trading post whose importance fluctuated depending on which empire dominated.

Manama and its inhabitants were first introduced to Islam during the 7th century and by the 9th century began to lean to a more conservative almost socialist belief system that caused considerable friction with the surrounding Muslim lands.

The Qarmatians, as this group was known, ransacked Mecca in 930 during the sacred Hajj, killing hundreds before escaping with the much revered Black Stone.

A feud with the Baghdad-based Abbasids less than 50 years later saw the Qarmatians leave the town.