Iranian and Chinese archaeologists uncover ancient metallurgical secrets in Masuleh highlands

A collaborative effort between Iranian and Chinese archaeologists is shedding new light on the ancient metallurgical heritage of Masuleh, a terraced village in Gilan province. This joint excavation aims to bolster Masuleh's bid for UNESCO World Heritage status. This is reported by Tehran Times, a partner of TV BRICS.

The research, led by Iranian archaeologists, focuses on two pivotal sites: Kohneh Masuleh and Siyapasieh, the latter perched 2,500 metres above sea level.

For the first time since the site’s discovery in 2017, archaeologists have uncovered remnants of ancient metalworking furnaces.

Chinese archaeometric specialists, renowned for their expertise in ancient metallurgy, are contributing to the project. Their analyses of furnace samples aim to trace the sources of Masuleh’s iron ore, evaluate the sophistication of its smelting techniques, and investigate trade networks that may have linked Masuleh to nearby cities such as Ardabil, Zanjan, and Tabriz.

Preliminary findings suggest that Masuleh was a thriving hub for alloy production and iron smelting. Masuleh, located 25 kilometres southwest of Fuman, has been recognised as a national heritage site since 1975. Temporarily listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2007, it now seeks to secure permanent status.

The current archaeological work is expected to address ambiguities in the nomination and provide critical insights into the village’s metallurgical traditions.

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