Remains of Ancient City Unearthed in Western Iran

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Post-Sasanian Period

Remains of an old city called Samireh dating back to the early Islamic period was unearthed in the ninth season of excavations near Darreh Shahr in the western Ilam province, a member of the excavations team said.

Simin Lakpur said the studies rendered interesting findings about the early urban period. “The urban area included roofed passageways with walls that carried pottery pipes, carrying water from springs in mountains to street rooks and then homes,” she noted.

Evidence also emerged that suggested there were industrial activity in the city, including pottery and glass making. The finding indicated they accounted for a good part of the city’s economy.

Another important findings is remains of a mosque believed to be the first early Islamic mosque in Iran.

The ninth season of excavations will end in a few days after two months. The ancient city covers an area of 120 hectares and it takes several years to find all its parts, she pointed out.

The next season of excavations is set to be carried out next winter. Meanwhile, the local cultural heritage department plans to prepare the ground for people to visit the ancient city.

Located near Darreh Shahr, Samireh was destroyed in an earthquake in the 10th century.