Archaeologists discover fortress dating back to the third Iranian dynasty

London, March 4 : Archaeologists have discovered a fortress dating back to the third Iranian dynasty of the Parthians.

Discovered in Nakhl-e Ebrahim village, in the Persian Gulf's Hormozgan Province, the fortress is the largest of the Parthain era.

Archaeological geophysics survey confirms the fortress's covering an area of 15,000 square-meters, which makes it the biggest Parthian fortress ever to have been discovered in Iran-Proper.

"Twenty days into the first season of archaeological research in the area, we have managed to discover the fortress and complete 70% of our scheduled programme", said Abbas Noruzi, the vice president of Hormozgan Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organisation (HCHTO).

The fortress had been constructed on a regular plan and comprises many square-shaped rooms positioned in a symmetrical pattern.

Archaeologists have also discovered decorative bricks and dual and tri coloured potteries.

Noruzi has also asserted that archaeologists have found a large number of Parthian 'jar burials' in the cemetery section.

According to Siyamak Sarlak, director of the archaeological team in the Strait of Hurmoz, "The jars contained burial gifts, including pottery vessels, jewelleries, such as necklaces made of nacre, agate and steatite beads."

With the discovery of such a large fortress and settlement, history can possibly name Nakhl-e Ebrahinm village as an important Parthian port in the Persian Gulf.

"The position of the fortress reconfirms the strategic importance of the strait even during the Parthian dynastic era," said Sarlak.

ANI