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.CAIS NEWS© ARCHAEOLOGICAL & CULTURAL NEWS OF THE IRANIAN WORLD |
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Parthian Fortress of Mt. Khajeh on the Verge of Collapse
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06 December 2006 |
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View of Mt. Khajeh (Click to enlarge) |
LONDON,
(CAIS) -- An ancient Parthian fortress built on Khwajeh Mountain in the southeastern Iranian province of Sistan va Baluchestan is
on the verge of collapse due to illegal activities by smugglers.
Khajeh
Mountain (Kuh-e Khwajeh), the highest peak in the region, has several ancient constructions made
with adobe and mud mostly dating back to the Parthian dynastic period (248
BCE– 224 CE).
Rostam
Fortress is the oldest and most important structure of the site, constructed on
the eastern slope of Mt. Khajeh. The fortress bears unique murals decorating the
walls, few of which have survived throughout the ages. Over the recent years, a
complete documentation of the site was carried out. In addition, partial
restoration and fortification of the castle were conducted on the walls and
arches.
Parts of the walls of this fortress have now become loose as a result of illegal diggings by antique smugglers. This is while archaeological excavations near the fortress had previously rejected existence of any historic artifacts in this area.
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"History is the Light on the Path to Future" |
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Encyclopaedia Iranica
The British Institute of Persian Studies "Persepolis Reconstructed"
The British Museum
The Royal Asiatic Society
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