Historical City Buried underneath Bistun Plain

Geophysical studies has approved the existence of a historical city beneath the Bistun plains, west of Iran.

Bistun Plain is located 30 kilometers northeast of Kermanshah city, in the western province of Kermanshah. Two large rivers there, evidence of irrigation, the area unique quarry, Bistun famous engraving, Khosrow Bridge, and great potentials of urban life there had brought experts to believe that underneath the 3500-hectare plain there should lie a historical city.

The geophysical studies confirming the belief has been advantageous due to providing information with the least excavations and diggings, and according to head of the Bistun archaeological project, Maliheh Mehdi Abadi, after reaching general results, boring pits have been dug here and there to confirm the obtained results.

As explained by head of the geophysical studies, Abdolazim Shah Karami, first the location of the city was identified by means of topographical maps and aerial pictures. Then geophysical studies were carried out to understand what was exactly buried underneath the plain. Finally, boring pits were dug in six significant spots and the experts’ beliefs considering the existence of a city there and its date were confirmed.

The model of study used in Bistun can be of great use in other plains and historical sites of Iran such as the Burnt City, in the eastern province of Sistan va Baluchestan.