“An intact jug as well as the jaw of a goat or a calf have also been found among the mass of shards. The great amount of earthenware discovered was not unintentionally broken, but (was broken) due to the influence of the religion of the region. The great amount of shards and other artifacts probably indicate that a (particular) ritual was common during that era,” the director of the archaeological team working at the site, Hassan Rezvani, told CHN.

A comprehensive study is required to reach a definite conclusion, he added.

The shards, some bearing bas-reliefs, are estimated to be of Parthian era, nearly 2000 years old. Some platforms have also been unearthed near the shards, which it is believed were used by pilgrims and followers of the religions of the time.

“It is still common in some regions where Iranians live to see them break earthenware on their graves such as Kurds, but it is difficult to relate to the new findings before further study,” Rezvani said.

The team of archaeologists has been tasked with gleaning information and salvaging artifacts at the site that will be submerged by the Shian Dam, which is scheduled to come on stream in 2007.

Previously they have discovered a Parthian fire temple and thirty Sassanid silos and ovens, as well as many artifacts so far.