Iranian archaeologists unearth prehistoric relics to shed new light on prehistoric settlements

An archaeological discovery in the Chahardangeh district of northern Iran is shedding new light on prehistoric settlements and cultural interactions in the region. This is reported by Tehran Times, a partner of TV BRICS.

A team of archaeologists, collaborating between the University of Mazandaran and the provincial Department of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, has unearthed a wealth of artifacts and architectural remains at the Qaleh Seri Terkam site.

The ongoing excavations, supported by the Iranian Research Institute for Cultural Heritage and Tourism, have already yielded a remarkable collection of pottery fragments, stone tools, bones, charcoal, evidence of burials and hearths, and remnants of stone and mudbrick structures. These finds offer compelling insights into the daily lives, economic activities, and societal structures of prehistoric communities.

The strategic location of Qaleh Seri Terkam makes it a pivotal site for understanding cultural exchange across the Central Alborz Mountains during prehistoric times. The initial phase of the excavation involved 48 test trenches to define the site's boundaries and protection zones, which are soon to be formally approved.

Preliminary findings include vividly painted pottery dating back to the Chalcolithic era, characterized by geometric designs in black and dark brown on a red and ochre background. Differences in pottery styles from the Bronze and Iron Ages, exhibiting darker gray and lighter gray hues, respectively, are also providing valuable chronological data.

The team is employing advanced techniques, including short-range photogrammetry for aerial mapping, to enhance the accuracy and scope of their research. Analysis of botanical and faunal remains will provide further insights into the environment and lifestyle of these ancient communities.

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