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LONDON, (CAIS) -- After 3 months continuous researches in Sistan plain located in Iranian southeastern province of Sistan va Baluchestan, identifying 810 historic and prehistoric sites was the main achievement of the first season of archaeological excavations.

Announcing this news, Reza Mehafarin, head of the archaeology team of Sistan va Baluchestan University told Persian service of CHN: “11 districts from 22 districts of archaeological areas of Sistan plain have undergone researches during the first phase of archaeological excavations in the area which have resulted in identifying 810 prehistoric and historic sites in the region. Discovery of such a large number of historical sites indicates the existence of a historical site in each 5 to 6 kilometres of Sistan plain.”

This research project was conducted with attendance of 25 experts and based on systematic methods in Sistan plain. According to Mehrafarin, after identifying each historic site, some other activities such as registering and documenting, identifying the geographical coordinates based on GPS, clarifying their limits and their topography, as well as collecting the cultural evidence of the area necessary for its chronology have been conducted.   

Regarding the 11 districts which have undergone researches, Mehrafarin explained: “Due to its small area, no historic site was identified in Mahmoudi district. However the number of historic and prehistoric sites in other districts are as follows: 60 sites in Ghorghori, 2 sites in northern Zabol, 92 sites in Dust Mohammad Khan, 208 in district one of Zabol, 22 sites in district two of Zabol, 26 sites in Kuhak, 60 sites in Zahak, 35 sites in Mohammadabad, 60 sites in Sana Rud. Having 302 historical sites, Rostam Fort broke the record in number of historical sites.”

Among the identified sites ranging in date from prehistoric to the post-Sasanian period, the majority of post-Sasanian sites have been traced in the first district of Zabol. Locating near Rud Desert which was settled since 5000 years ago, Rostam Fort region contained the most number of prehistoric sites.  

What is amazing regarding the archaeological achievements in Sistan plain during these excavations is the variety of archaeological sites in Sistan plain which has made the whole area as a unique research base for archaeologists.

During these researches, archaeologists have succeeded in tracing a number of historical sites dating back to post-Achaemenid (330-248 BCE) period as well as the Parthian (248 BCE-224 CE) dynastic era which was never seen before in Sistan plain. These discoveries opened a new horizon for archaeologists to continue their studies to find more about these two historic periods in Sistan plain.    

While remains of big Islamic cities dating back to 12-15 centuries have been identified in the region, no evidence belonging to the advent of Islam has been traced in the area so far.   

“One of the other issues which have somehow puzzled archaeologists during the first phase of researches in Sistan plain, is existence of a historic gap between the years of 2000 to1500 BCE, since they have not found any historical evidence belonging to this period of history,” said Merafarin.

Archaeological researches in Sistan plain is a joint project conducted by Iran’s Archaeology Research Centre and Sistan va Baluchestan University in an attempt to prepare the archaeological atlas of Sistan va Baluchestan province.

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