7000-year-old Animal Bones Discovered in Northwestern Iran

13 February 2005

During the recent excavations at the ancient Zagheh Hill in Qazvin Province, 7000-year-old animal bones were discovered.

Excavation team member Ahmad Chaichi said on Saturday that the team began their studies by screening two tons of soil at the site and discovered the remains of bones and horns of several animals such as mice, deer, and reindeer.

Experts estimate that the animals lived during the Neolithic era, said Chaichi.

He noted that several tools such as hammers and awls made with the horns of deer and reindeer were also found, illustrating the great skill of the inhabitants of the region in ancient times.

In addition, experts working at the site discovered fossils of excrement of an animal similar to a hyena.

“The discovery also shows that the Zagheh Hill was not a residential area in one of the eras, since hyenas do not live in a place which is inhabited by human beings,” he added.

Various kinds of insects were also identified during the recent excavation, but more studies need to be carried out to obtain more detailed information on the finds.

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