Why it matters:
The discovery significantly enhances our understanding of the Achaemenid Empire. By identifying these lost stone mines, we gain more insight into the management of natural resources and the economic role of different regions within the empire. The findings suggest that the Achaemenid society had a well-organized and complex system for extracting, transporting, and utilizing materials for architectural projects.
What he's saying:
Mohammad Ebrahim Zarei, Head of the Research Institute of Cultural Heritage and Tourism, who announced the discovery of these mines on Saturday, April 12, 2025, stated in recent remarks that more precise tests are underway to analyze the type of stones discovered. These tests aim to compare the stones with those found in the columns of Darius the Great’s palace in Susa.
He added: "These specialized studies will enter a new phase in two weeks, and if the stones are proven to be from the same source, the World Heritage registration file for Susa could be updated with new data. This would provide a strategic opportunity to reassess and elevate the global standing of this archaeological site and the region where the mines were discovered."
Key points:
- Three new mines have been identified in the Zagros mountains in the Abdanan region of Ilam. These mines are believed to have been the primary source of stone for Darius the Great's palace in Susa.
- According to inscriptions from the Apadana Palace, stones for the building were sourced from a region called "Abiradush," which may correspond to the recently discovered mines in Abdanan.
- The walls of the palace were made from mud brick with a brick façade, columns were made of stone, and the interior was decorated with glazed bricks and artistic motifs. The palace was destroyed during Alexander the Great’s invasion.
- This discovery could offer crucial insights into resource management, transportation networks, and construction technologies within the Achaemenid Empire.
Go deeper:
Confirmation of these findings could lead to UNESCO recognition and cultural tourism development for the mines. Furthermore, the discovery may spur research into Achaemenid construction techniques, revealing insights into the empire's monumental building and resource management practices. These developments support Iran's goals of preserving its cultural heritage and establishing itself as a regional leader in archaeological research.
ahmad shirzadian
