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.CAIS NEWS© ARCHAEOLOGICAL & CULTURAL NEWS OF THE IRANIAN WORLD |
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Discovery of an Iron Age Cemetery in Semnan
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15 July 2007 |
LONDON,
(CAIS) -- Archaeological
excavations behind Kalpush Dam in Semnan province led into discovery of a unique
cemetery dating back to Iron Age II (1350 to 550 BCE) with earthen graves.
“The
Iron Age cemetery in which archaeologists have recently started their
excavations is considered a part of Amir Shalough hill where prior to this
historical evidence belonging to Ilkhanid period were discovered. Since, we are
still keeping on our researches in Amir Sharlogh historic site, we have not yet
opened the graves to examine their burial gifts and skeletons,” said Mahnaz Sharifi,
head of excavation team behind Kalpoush dam in Semnan province to Persian
service of CHN.
According
to Sharifi, what has made this cemetery distinguished is the unique
architectural style which was implemented in it. In the graves of this Iron Age
cemetery, rectangle clay layers were used in a cross model, a method which was
seldom practiced in the architecture of Iron Age graves in which most often
stones were used. Similar graves have already been discovered in other parts of
Semnan province such as Kharand and Gandab historical cemeteries.
Six
historical hills belonging to Iron Age and Islamic periods have been identified
so far during archaeological researches in the area of Semnan plain which
archaeologists have succeeded in delimiting all of them. Sounding works in one
of these historical sites resulted in unearthing a skeleton belonging to the
Iron Age, which brought into light the existence of an ancient cemetery in the
area.
Prior
to this, archaeologists carried out some excavations in the Islamic district of
Amir Shalough hill dating back to Ilkhanid era (1256-1336 CE) which led into
discovery of a large number of metal historical relics including swords,
engraved and coloured clays and a jar in the area. A number of nails have been
also traced in the area based on which archaeologists have concluded that the
region might have been used for temporary settlement of nomads during Ilkhanid
occupation.
Located
in Semnan plain, Amir Shalogh hill will be submerged by inundation of Kalpoush
Dam, which is why archaeologists have started their excavations in the area in
an attempt to save the historical evidence which exists there.
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Extracted From/Source*: Cultural Heritage News Agency (CHN)
*Please
note
the above-news is NOT a "copy & paste" version from
the mentioned-source. The news/article above has been modified with
the following interventions by CAIS:
Spelling corrections; -Rectification and correction of
the historical facts and data; - Providing additional historical
information within the text; -Removing
any unnecessary, irrelevant & repetitive information.
All these measures have been taken in order to ensure that the published news provided by CAIS is coherent, transparent, accurate and suitable for academics and cultural enthusiasts who visit the CAIS website.
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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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