5,000-Years-Old Seal Discovered in Jiroft

06 January 2005

The first ancient seal of Jiroft dating to some 5000 years ago was discovered by Iranian and international archeologists working on the site. It is illustrated by the head of a goat turning to look backwards.

Jiroft historical site, located in Kerman province, covers invaluable items from the third millennium BC and is considered one of the most important historical sites of the world. More than 85 sites have so far been unearthed in a 400 km length of Halil Roud River, leading the archeologists to compare the area to that of the Mesopotamian civilization.

The seal which was discovered at the end of the first week of the third season of excavations near the governmental structures of the historical site, is the first trading seal of Jiroft dating back to 5000 years ago.

"The seal, measuring 2x2 centimeters, is made of marble and works like a stamp. Made with great art and technique, it is an indicator of the business developments of the area some 5000 years ago," head of the excavation team, Yusef Majidzadeh, told CHN.

Archeological studies reveal that ancient Iranians put the goods they wanted to export in jars and covered them with mud and afterwards they sealed them so that in case of robbery they could be traced.

During the two previous seasons of work, experts had found 25 seal prints, but no seals. Holly Pittman, a professor of the Pennsylvanian University, has been in charge of studying the seals and their remaining prints. The studies have revealed the significance of the area in the international trade 5000 years ago.

The third season of work in Jiroft started last week with more than 20 domestic and foreign experts from the United States and France taking part.

This week the archeologists also found 10 clay potteries, which include 50-centimeter jars and small potteries dating to 5000 years ago, with inscriptions of animals and plants on them.

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