Iran finds alleged source of Darius palace stone

Archaeologists in Iran have discovered a quarry thought to have been lost for more than two thousand years. It is from here that stone is believed to have been quarried for the construction of Darius I palace in the ancient city of Susa, one of the greatest architectural achievements of the Achaemenid era. This is reported by Iran Press, a partner of TV BRICS.

The discovery site is located in Abdanan district, in Ilam province in the west of the country. Researchers call the discovery one of the most important archaeological developments in recent years in West Asia.

The research team used a combination of ground excavations, satellite imagery, and geological analyses. The results revealed evidence of stone quarrying, chisels, and the remains of limestone and iron ore, which may have been used to make fastenings in stone architecture.

Archaeologists estimate that the distance between the mine and Susa is about 150 kilometres. Presumably, the stones were transported via a complex route involving mountain roads and river routes – the Karkheh River.

Archaeologists said the discovery opens up new avenues for studying logistics, resource management and construction techniques in the Achaemenid Empire, and could also form the basis for nominating the site for UNESCO World Heritage list.