New Archaeological Operations Starts in Shahdad

Tuesday, 02 March 1999

TEHRAN The 13th phase of archaeology operations in the ancient Shahdad region has been started, said Public Relations Department of the Cultural Heritage Organization on Sunday. A cemetery dating back to 5,000 years ago, an ancient iron mill, residential places and several agricultural lands have been unearthed during the past 30 years in Shahdad region. Several stone and pottery relics as well as the world's oldest flag called Derafsh-e Shahdad were excavated in the Shahdad area.

It is worth noting that near Shahdad, there is a historical castle named Ramook, which dates back to the early years of the Islamic era. The Cultural Heritage Organization has sent a delegation headed by Yadollah Kaboli to the castle to carry out excavation operations there. Shahdad's ancient region is located west of the Loot Desert. This region has a very hot climate and its needed water is provided by aqueducts.

The 13th phase of archaeological operations will continue till the end of the current Iranian year (ending March 21).