Bahrain: From Persian Gulf Outpost to Independent Isle

The historical ties between Bahrain and Iran are long and complex, spanning centuries and involving various empires and dynasties. From the 6th century BC to the 7th century AD, Bahrain was a pivotal part of successive Persian empires, including the Achaemenids, Parthians, and Sassanids. These Iranian powers exercised significant influence over the strategically important island, using its location in the Persian Gulf to facilitate trade and maintain control over maritime routes. During the Sassanid era, Bahrain was considered a southern province of the empire, highlighting the deep historical integration of the archipelago into the Iranian sphere. This period of Iranian control laid the groundwork for future claims and cultural exchanges.