11 August 2003

Latest research results in the historical Bazman region in the southeastern province of Sistan va Balouchestan offer an illuminating insight into the remnants of a 5,000 year old civilization.

Excavations carried out in the Espidezh cemetery suggest early inhabitants of the region in the late fourth millennium and early third millennium had access to the know-how of the day as they were way ahead of other civilizations with regard to relative prosperity.

The Espidezh inhabitants used to bring copper ore from neighboring regions such as Garbudar and Madar Magasan and then used smelters to make copper and bronze tools.

In addition to such utensils as pots, tumblers, spikes, beads, statuettes and knives, they would produce ornaments from precious stones.

Based on discoveries made in the Espidezh, archeologists have speculated on the make-up of a primitive class-based society in which people were distinguished by their level of prosperity and social position. Experts believe the Espidezh inhabitants were assigned various social activities and specialized jobs including stone carving, tool making, hunting, metal working , pottery making and business.

Ancient pottery pieces found in the area bear various pictures, such as man, geometrical shapes, animals, plants and nature inspired by the local environment.

Another cemetery discovered in Espidezh, traced to the late bronze and early iron age, has yielded a complete stock of a bronze artist tools.

The ancient Espidezh region, located next to water resources and palm trees, houses remains of the pre-historic, historic and Islamic periods.

Besides ancient cemeteries, there are remains of a fortress and its fortifications from the Islamic era.

An archeological team is currently conducting research in the area.