Sassanid Structure Discovered in Ilam

Rescue archeology operations in Kafari Canyon (known in Persian as Tang-e Kafari) in Ilam Province have led to the discovery of a building dating back to the Sassanid Empire (224–651).  The serendipitous discovery followed a drop in the water level of Seymareh Dam, which helped wash away the soil covering the site.

"Rescue operations began immediately and a splendid Sassanid structure was discovered," said lead archeologist, Leyli Niakan. 

The building includes arch roofs, niches, column bases and related objects such as moldings, decorative bricks, earthenware and colored glass, according to a report on the website of the Research Institute of Cultural Heritage and Tourism. 

Archeological explorations in Tang-e Kafari have been going on for a while with RICHT's clearance. 

The previous round of operations revealed a graveyard belonging to the period between Middle Bronze Age and early Iron Age, the like of which had never been found in that region. The contents of the graves showed that the history of settlement in Tang-e Kafari dates back to the third millennium BC. 

"Therefore, the second round of the research was focused on finding the settlement of those buried here," said Niakan. 

The researchers also investigated the pits where illegal excavations had been conducted. 

"Early evidence shows that these pits can reveal more about the region's settlements, architecture and people's livelihoods," she said. 

"This area still contains valuable relics that can unveil facts about the historical identity of the residents of this cultural zone." 

Kafari Canyon is located in the north of Valiasr County to the east of Ilam province.