The latest excavation in the northern gate of Takht-e Suleiman, an ancient Zoroastrian fire temple northwest of Iran, has revealed architectural relics dating back to the late Il-Khanid era (1256-1336).

Located in a mountainous area of northwestern Iran and 42 kilometers north of Takab, Takht-e Suleiman (the ‘Throne of Solomon’) is one of the most interesting and enigmatic sacred sites in Iran.

 

Its setting and landforms must certainly have inspired the mythic imagination of the archaic mind. Situated in a small valley, at the center of a flat stone hill rising twenty meters above the surrounding lands, is a small lake of mysterious beauty.

archaeologists started the fourth season of the third round of excavations two weeks ago and they seek to find how people entered the historical site. Meanwhile, they unearthed some structural remains belonging to the late Il-Khanid dynasty, indicating that Takht-e Suleiman boomed as a township after the decease of Abaghakhan, Il-Khanid ruler of the are, and people kept living there in colonies, said team leader Yussef Moradi.

“Ironically, after the death of Abaghakhan, people ruined his mansion and used its construction material to build and/or refurbish their own houses,” he added.

Moradi expressed hope that his team would find more clues as they dig deeper. The latest excavation would last till late November.