Archaeologists in Iran find signs of early maritime activity
Iranian archaeologists uncovered what may be Paleolithic-era fishing and seafaring tools during recent excavations at the ancient site of Kopal in Dashtiari County, Sistan and Baluchestan province, according to Morteza Hesari, head of the excavation team.
The find could push back the timeline for early human use of marine resources along Iran’s Makoran coast, ISNA wrote.
Researchers unearthed a flat, perforated cobble — possibly a fishing net weight or small anchor — alongside two stone implements linked to known Paleolithic technologies.
“This kind of close association,” Hesari noted, between the pierced stone and tools produced using hard hammer percussion, “raises key questions” about when coastal communities first began navigating and exploiting the sea.
While the stone tools show deep desert polish typical of ancient artifacts, the cobble itself shows different erosion patterns, suggesting it may not be from the same period. Further analysis, including wear-trace studies and sediment dating, is under way.
Multiple interpretations remain on the table. The items may reflect real Paleolithic-era coastal activity — perhaps fishing by hunter-gatherer groups. But evidence from a nearby trench shows the site was used for millennia, including pottery from the fourth millennium BCE.
“There’s a chance we’re seeing remnants from several distinct periods,” Hesari said.
With rescue excavations wrapping up, the team is focused on careful lab work. Despite the uncertainties, Hesari stressed that Kopal holds “rich evidence” of prehistoric maritime activity. More targeted research may soon clarify the site’s role in early seafaring along the Makoran coast.