Archaeological excavations, following sewer tunneling on Molavi Street in Tehran, uncovered a 7,000-year old skeleton, CHN reported.
During drilling operations last November of the sewer system in the Molavi neighborhood, some pottery shards, dating back to 400 years ago, were found. Following the discovery, research institute of Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism (RICHT) licensed archaeological research on the area, and sewer operation were brought to a halt.
Before the discovery of the skeleton, the oldest archaeological discoveries in Tehran, dated back to 3,000 years ago, in Qeytarie hills. The recent excavations on Molavi street, between Mohammadie and Qiam squares, has however led to numerous riveting discoveries, Mohammad Esmael Esmaeli, head of the archaeology team on areas south of Tehran Grand Bazaar said.
Findings also include potteries from the Safavid and Qajar eras, bricks, masonry stones, decorative tile-works, bone artifacts, and fragments of glassware.
The pre-historic skeleton will be transferred to Iran’s National Museum for public display, after examinations and preservative operations.
The limited discoveries made so far, have come about as a result of close collaboration between ICHHTO and Tehran Water and Wastewater Corporation. Further exploration of the site now depends on the water company’s cooperation and ICHHTO’s support.
Head of ICHHTO’s research institute Seyed Mohammad Beheshti whom visited the site, gave the archaeology team his commitment on any required coordination with urban officials, as well as on construction of a museum on the site, Esmaeli said.
Given the importance of the discovery, the project must receive the full support of Tehran Water and Wastewater Corporation, Tehran Municipality, and Tehran City Council, Esmaeeli added.
