Discovery of an Early Post-Sasanid Kiln in Qazvin - CAIS Archaeological & Cultural News of Iranian World©

LONDON, (CAIS) -- Discovery of the remains of a kiln and burnt bricks in Dolat Abad Tepe has convinced archaeologists that this historical hill must have been an industrial region on the path of the Silk Road during the early post-Sasanid period.

“Various cultural layers belonging to different periods of time were identified during the archaeological excavations in Dolat Abad historical hill. However, what is more prominent about these discoveries is that it seems this historical hill played an important role in the industry of the post-Sasanid period. The archaeology team also succeeded in discovering the remains of an earthen kiln, dating back to the the post-Sasanid era, most probably to the 9th century CE,” said Leila Niakan, head of archaeological excavation team in Dolat Abad historical hill in Qazvin.

According to Niakan, archaeological excavations in Dolat Abad Tepe aim at identifying cultural evidence belonging to the time when the Sasanid dynasty collapsed.

Archaeological excavations in Dolat Abad Tepe have begun in March 2006 in order to find out the cultural, social, economical, religious, and artistic aspects of life during different periods of settlement in this historical hill with a special focus on the period that was followed by the collapse of the Sasanid dynasty in 651 CE and starting of the post-Sasanid period also known as the "two centuries of silence" in Iran.

“Discovery of some pre-historic stone artifacts and clays belonging to the Iron Age during the archaeological excavations in this historical site indicate that Dolat Abad Tepe in Qazvin was a settlement area during different periods of time. After preparing the topographical map of Dolat Abad Tepe and its nearby hills and carrying out some archaeological soundings, we succeeded in determining the vicinity of this historical hill, although some parts of it has been destroyed due to agricultural activities in the area,” added Niakan.

Dolat Abad Tepe is located at a distance of 60 kilometers from the city of Qazvin in Qazvin Plain, and on the path of the famous Silk Road.