The first Palaeolithic cave discovered in the historical city of Isfahan is to be explored be a team of experts from Isfahan University and the provincial Cultural Heritage Organization (CHO).

The cave, dating back 15,000 years ago, was discovered several months ago 30 km west of Isfahan and near the Zayanderood River. This is the very first Palaeolithic cave uncovered in the area and archaeologists have already unearthed stone tools and some bones there.

“Due to the significance of the cave, we hammered out a deal with Isfahan University to begin archaeological excavation,” said Hassan Turki, research deputy of the local CHO. “This is the very first time we find Palaeolithic artifacts in our province, where most relics date back to the Sasanid or Islamic eras. Hopefully the planned excavations can reveal the exact date of human settlement in this area.”

The cave is now cordoned off by law enforcement officers to foil any possible plunder in a province worldwide famous for its Islamic monuments.