Ancient Marble Toys Found in Takht-e Soleyman

03 January 2005

More than ten clay marbles from the Ilkhanid era (1251 - 1355) have been discovered in the historical site of Takht-e Soleyman in West Azarbaijan, Northwest of Iran.

The latest excavations in the Takht-e Soleyman site, led by Yusef Moradi, that reached an end last month, was aimed at the identification of layers dating to the Ilkhanid times.

“Ten clay marbles, completely round and polished like the glass ones of today, were found during the latest excavations,” said Moradi, adding that they were made of mud and turned into clay during a 700-year period.

“The marbles were discovered near residential areas of the Ilkhanid site, and evidently used as toys,” Moradi told CHN.

They are of different sizes, with diameters from 1.5 to 3 centimeters. Other items that are believed to have been children toys have also been discovered on the site, but their exact use has not yet been identified.

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