Connection of Zayandeh Rud Civilization with Marvdasht & Sialk

The discoveries of archaeological excavations in Ashna Tepe (hill) near Mashad Kaveh in Isfahan province show the relationship between the old civilization of Zayandeh Rood River and those of Marvdasht in Fars and Sialk in Kashan.

Ashna Tepe is one of the important historical sites in Isfahan located north of Zayandeh Rood that becomes inaccessible to archaeologists when the water level increases.

“Some discoveries like ceramic dishes indicate the relationship between the civilization of North Zayandeh Rood River and Marvdasht area,” says Asadollah Mirza Aghajani, head of the archaeology team of Ashna Tepe.

He added, “The discovered clays from the lower layers are similar to those of Kashan’s Sialk.”

Since the hills excavations have led to the unearthing of a cultural center north of Zayandeh Rood River, the site can be the base for studies on the area.

Archaeologists believe that the civilization on the bank of Zayandeh Rood can be one of the oldest civilizations of Asia which was formed during the same time that ancient civilizations appeared alongside rivers. The site may provide signs of one of the oldest human societies.

Ashna Tepe is located in the middle of the delta of Aragon, one of the main branches of Zayandeh Rood and 20 kilometers from Zayandeh Rood dam. It is drowned during the raining season and is not accessible to the archaeologists, because the water behind the dam goes as far as 48 kilometers. Now due to the dam’s water being at a low level, a good opportunity has been provided for experts to do some research and excavations in the area.

Archaeological excavations have been started since 23rd of July and will be finished by next week.