Sassanid burial site discovered in West Azarbaijan Province
The first burial site of the Sassanid era in West Azarbaijan Province has been found at an ancient hill in Oshnavieh, marking yet another evidence of the region’s antiquity, said the head of the city’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Department.
Ronak Tasa stated that in conducted studies, 11 historical sites within the vicinity of the Chaparabad Dam reservoir were identified, and underwent restoration operations.
She added that the burial site from the Sassanid period was unearthed during the third season of excavation.
Tasa emphasized the rarity and historical importance of this burial site, considering the Sassanid period’s burial traditions.
She noted that various artifacts, ranging from pottery vessels to stone and bone objects, were discovered and are currently being preserved in the Oshnavieh Museum.
She said the third excavation season at Chaparabad Hill, corresponding with the dam filling process, lasted for 50 days.
Ten trenches of different sizes were examined, uncovering over 230 square meters of architectural remains from this prehistoric settlement
The three phases of excavation have unveiled a small village dating back to the second half of the fifth millennium BCE within Chaparabad Hill. Currently, there are 11 historical sites in the vicinity of Chaparabad Dam, with five ancient hills situated in a zone at high risk of being submerged, and six hills on the dam’s periphery.
She said that the filling of the Chaparabad Dam started in early September of this year. As of now, the water level of the dam has covered the northern and eastern slopes of the site, but the exposed architectural remains on top of the hill remain uncovered.