3500-year-old cemetery discovered in SW Iran

A cemetery dating back to 3500 years ago has been discovered in the Taj Amir region near the city of Yasuj in the southwestern Iranian province of Kohkiluyeh-Boyer Ahmad. 

This skeleton was unearthed from a 3500-year-old cemetery, which has recently been discovered in the Taj Amir region near the city of Yasuj in Kohkiluyeh-Boyer Ahmad Province [CreditTehran Times]

Over 20 graves have been excavated so far by an archaeological team in the cemetery, which covers an area of over 60,000 square meters, team director Mohammad Rajabi told the Persian service of IRNA on Friday. 

The cemetery is estimated to contain over 500 graves, he added. 

Pottery, stone and bronze artifacts have been discovered beside the skeletons unearthed from the graves. 

In addition, earrings, rings, daggers, bayonets, coins and pottery jars have been discovered in the graves. 

All the artifacts have been transferred to a museum in Yasuj, Rajabi said. 

About 8000 square meters of the cemetery have been destroyed by a construction project, which belongs to Yasuj University of Medical Science, he stated. 

A total of 70 graves have been totally demolished during the construction project and all artifacts located in the graves have been lost, an expert of the Yasuj Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Department stated. 

"The destruction process is still underway," said Rahmani, who gave only his family name. 

Source: Tehran Times [July 07, 2012]