Tehran, 26 April 2006 (CHN) --
Archeological excavations in Bolaghi Gorge historical site led to
discovery of the skeleton of a young girl belonging to 7000 years ago,
who apparently died in her sleep due to an unknown reason.
“This
is the first burial belonging to the Bacon Era (the fifth and fourth
millennia BC) discovered so far during archeological excavations in
Bolaghi Gorge historical site. We have succeeded in unearthing the
skeleton of the girl without causing any damage to it,” said Mojgan
Seyedein, Iranian head of joint Iranian-German archeology team in
Bolaghi Gorge.
According to Seyedein, eight stone beads have
also been discovered with the skeleton of the girl. These stone beads
were close to her wrist and neck. “The girl was buried while sleeping
on her side and bending her legs with arms under her head like the
sleep position of most children,” added Seyedein.
This
skeleton was discovered in area number 73 near one of the clay ovens
dating back to the Bacon era. Prior to this, the remains of a skeleton
belonging to the Iron Age (some 3500 years ago) were unearthed during
the archeological excavations of the joint Iranian-Italian team in area
number 76 which is close to area number 73. This new discovery is one
of the oldest human remains unearthed so far in the Bolaghi Gorge area.
“After
cautiously removing the soil which was covering the skeleton, we
transferred the skeleton delicately to the Parse-Pasargadae Research
Center without causing any changes to its original position,” explained
Seyedein.
According to Seyedein, the skeleton of this girl is
completely intact, and even after the passing of 7000 years, her teeth
have remained unharmed.
Considering the broken clays around
the grave of the girl, archeologists believe that she should have lived
during the Bacon era. Although the skeleton has been discovered near
the clay oven, archeologists believe that there is no relation between
them.
Burying the corpse in the floor of residential houses
was one of the most common burial methods during the pre-historic time.
Archeologists are now trying to figure out if it were also true about
this 7000 year-old girl.
Archeological excavations in Bolaghi
Gorge started when experts learned of the hazards the newly constructed
Sivand Dam poses to this historical site. Several Iranian and foreign
archeologists rushed to save this ancient site before flooding of the
dam. Luckily, Iranian dam authorities accepted to postpone inauguration
of the Sivand Dam until excavations finish in this area. Yet
considering the enormous amount of historical relics hidden in this
ancient site, it seems almost impossible to save all of them in any
given time.
Iranian-German joint archeology team has continued
its excavations in Bolaghi Gorge historical site since winter 2006
under the supervision of Mojgan Seyedein from Iran and Barbara Helwing
from Germany. Due to the discovery of a new area near Sivand Dam which
is believed to have been a settlement area belonging to the fifth
millennium BC, they will continue their excavations until the end of
May. The team has discovered 5 clay ovens belonging to the fifth
millennium BC in area number 73 so far.
The 18-kilometer Bolaghi
Gorge is located 9 kilometers from the world heritage site of
Pasargadae and is considered part of its landscape. The Gorge is known
to be the location of the ancient King Road built by the order of
Darius the Great, the Achaemenid King.
The salvation project in Bolaghi Gorge started with the engagement of 8 international teams more than a year ago.
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