The third season of archeological excavations in the Takht-e Soleyman has led to major finds, chief among them a large number of clay seals from the Sassanid era. Experts believe study of the seals could furnish valuable information regarding the administrative systems in the era.

The third season started in early September, supervised by Yousef Moradi, in a bid to find the northern entrance and how it connects to buildings. Drawing to a close, it has rendered new information as to the age and use of the buildings in the complex.

Now archeologists are faced with new questions. First, are discovered Sassanid seals related to the area around the entrance? And second if the answer is no, what had been the function of the area?

The three excavation seasons conducted in the site have already shed light on the northern entrance and the buildings surrounding it.

In addition, 13 distinct phases of construction have been pinpointed in the internal front of the entrance. Archeologists believe five phases were carried out in the Sassanid era, while the remaining eight were completed at the late Ilkhanid era.

The Takht-e Soleyman complex turned into a town at the late Ilkhanid era, as public buildings such as mosques, bath houses, industrial workshops and a number of houses sprang up in the site.

What is now known as the Takht-e Soleyman comprises ruins of the Azar Goshnasb fire temple from the Sassanid and the Abaqa Khan palace from the Ilkhanid era.