Bandian-e Dargaz, New Evidence of Life in Sasanian Period

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Sasanian Dynasty

The ninth excavation season in the historical area of Bandian-e Dargaz led to evidence of unknown clay buildings from the Sasanian era which can help identify the kind of settlements there.

"In the ninth excavation season in Bandian-e Dargaz, we dug a hill not previously studied and found remnants of clay architecture," said head of the excavation team Dr. Mehdi Rahbar, adding that although the form and application of the discovered buildings are not yet known, in the future they will perhaps lead to clues to the kind and place of people's residence in the area.

According to him, the colored walls and remnants of the Pahlavi manuscripts are indications of the place being used more by specific classes of people, such as princes.

Besides clues to the unknown architecture of the Sasanian era, some 15 vertical lines in the Pahlavi language and a silver coin were also discovered in the area.

Important remains from one fire temple and one tower were found in the previous seasons of excavation. The fire temple belongs to the fifth century and encompasses a unique picture of one of the victories of the Sasanian Emperor, Bahram V. The tower is a burial place, called Khamoushi (Silence) tower.

The historical area of Bandian-e Dargaz is located north of the northeastern province of Khorasan, 20 kilometers from Iran's frontier with Turkmenistan.

Archaeologists believe that the area was mainly used by princes. Yet the vast farmlands around indicate the settlement of common people there. Archaeological finds have led to some important clues to the history of the area.