Metal mines, providing metal for the construction of Pasargadae, have been discovered by a team of Iranian archaeologists.

Pasargadae was the first capital city of the Achaemenid Empire (559-330 BC) and still bears testament to Persians’ architecture and construction skills. “After discovering the mines, experts intend to dig them for more clues on the dynasty,” said Babak Kial, head of the historical site.

The team is more interested in finding the mining techniques adopted over 2,500 years ago. Metal artifacts unearthed in the site indicate that those people used to have an advanced metal industry.
Prior to his death, Cyrus the Great founded a new capital city at Pasargadae in Fars and established a government for his Empire.

 

Pasargadae covered an area almost 1.5 miles in length and included palaces, a temple and the tomb of the king of kings. The city was built on the site where Cyrus the Great defeated his grandfather and last King of Median dynasty, Astyages, in 550 BC.