Smugglers Loot Ancient Site in Central Province - CAIS Archaeological & Cultural News of Iran©

The historical site of Âveh, near Saveh in Central Province, has recently been looted by illegal excavations, owing to hiatus in archaeological studies and lack of security devices, the head of the provincial cultural heritage and tourism department announced on Saturday.

Covering an area of over 110 hectares, the site is home to artifacts dating from the 4th millennium B.C. to the early Islamic era, Mohammad Hosseini said. “The international gangs of smugglers are currently at the site and purchase the artifacts form the smugglers.

“The police are currently present in the area, but more armed forces are required to protect the whole region,” he stated.

Hosseini underlined that based on the agreement between the officials of the Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization (CHTO) and the police, the site will be fenced in to avoid additional plundering.

The lack of necessary security devices has provided a good opportunity for smugglers to dig out artifacts in ancient regions and the historical sites.

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