1000-year-old carved tombstone discovered in UNESCO-listed Yazd

TEHRAN - A historic tombstone dating back almost 1,000 years has been uncovered during restoration work at Dowlatshahi Mosque in the UNESCO-listed city of Yazd, central Iran.

Continuous human settlement in Hamedan confirmed from Achaemenid era to Present

THERAN – Archaeologists conducting excavations at the Baba Taher pedestrian pathway in Hamedan have uncovered evidence of continuous human settlement in the area dating from the Achaemenid period (circa 550–330 BC) to the present day, according to local experts.

Iranian paleontologist unveils world’s first fossilized bird mating dance in Miocene strata

TEHRAN - In a groundbreaking paleontological discovery, Iranian scientist Dr. Nasrollah Abbassi, researcher at the University of Zanjan, has uncovered the world’s first fossilized evidence of an ancient bird mating ritual—captured in stunning detail in the Miocene Upper Red Formation of northwestern Iran.

Archaeologists race to preserve looted Parthian-era cemetery in Yazd

TEHRAN - Archaeologists have launched a major effort to document and preserve the looted Gour-e Kafari Cemetery, which is located in Bahabad county of Yazd province, officials from the Iranian Center for Archaeological Research (ICAR) announced.

Archaeologists consider new excavation at Qal-e Kord, one of Iran’s oldest known human settlements

TEHRAN – A number of local officials and university experts held a coordination meeting on Monday to plan the sixth season of archaeological excavations at Qal-e Kord Cave, marking the continuation of work at one of Iran’s oldest known human settlements located in Avaj county of Qazvin province.

11,000-year-old secret revealed: Boars transported across Zagros for ritual feasts in western Iran

TEHRAN - A study by an international team has revealed that pre-agricultural communities at the Early Neolithic site of Asiab, near Kermanshah in western Iran (~9660–9340 cal BCE), engaged in complex logistical efforts to provision large-scale ritual feasts.

Rab'-e Rashidi: restoration campaign, land acquisition drive launched

Early Islamic metallurgical complex discovered at Masouleh; strengthens revised World Heritage file

TEHRAN - A joint Iranian-Chinese archaeological team has uncovered a significant early Islamic-era settlement and a sponge iron smelting workshop at the Khanbaji Sara site within the Cultural Landscape of Masouleh in northern Iran.

By Afshin Majlesi

Shams Tabrizi mausoleum gets major boost with new funding

KHOY, West Azarbaijan province – The Iranian government has allocated 30 trillion rials (approximately $375,000) to advance the long-delayed construction of the mausoleum of Shams Tabrizi, the famed Sufi mystic and spiritual mentor of the celebrated Persian poet Rumi.

Sang-e Chakhmaq's 8,000-year-old flute featured in museum's new video project

TEHRAN - The National Museum of Iran, in collaboration with the Public Relations Department of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, has begun producing a series of short videos to introduce its artifacts to the public.

Ancient clay jars unearthed following road erosion in western Iran

TEHRAN - Two large clay jars, possibly dating back to prehistoric times, have been discovered in Dehloran county of Ilam province, western Iran.

Rare Sassanid-era inscription condemning break of promise discovered in Marvdasht, southern Iran

TEHRAN - A rare Sassanid-era inscription believed to condemn the act of betrayal and uphold the sanctity of loyalty and oaths has been discovered in the mountainous region of Marvdasht, Fars province, according to historian Dr. Abolhassan Atabaki.

Human remains and pottery fragments unearthed in Isfahan’s utility excavation

TEHRAN - A routine utility excavation in the historical city of Isfahan has led to the unexpected discovery of human skeletal remains and fragments of pottery, prompting an immediate halt to construction work and renewed attention to the area’s archaeological significance.

Second phase of Iran-China studies launches in Masouleh to examine ancient metallurgy

The second phase of joint archaeological research by Iranian and Chinese teams has commenced at the historical site of Masouleh, which is situated in northern Iran.

Echos of the past: Chopper tool from Kashafrud, northeast Iran

This chopper-shaped tool, made of quartz, was discovered near the Kashafrud River in Khorasan Razavi province, northeast Iran, and dates back to the Lower Paleolithic period. Evidence of flaking and the removal of several flakes can be seen at one end.

German ambassador highlights archaeology as a cultural bridge between Tehran and Berlin

TEHRAN - German Ambassador to Iran, Markus Potzel, has described archaeology as a shared language of civilizations and a powerful bridge linking Iran and Germany through science and culture.

Groundbreaking discovery in northern Persian Gulf sheds new light on early human migration

TEHRAN - A major archaeological discovery in the northern hinterlands of the Persian Gulf is transforming our understanding of early human migration into Asia.

Wezmeh Cave in west Zagros reveals window into prehistoric ecosystems

TEHRAN - In a landmark archaeological discovery, researchers have uncovered a remarkably diverse assemblage of Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene animal remains from Wezmeh Cave in western Iran’s Zagros Mountains.

New book brings ancient skeletons of Iranian plateau to life through storytelling and science

TEHRAN - A newly published Persian-language book titled “101 Narrations from Skeletons of Ancient Sites of Iranian Plateau” by Mehrnoosh Zadehdabagh offers a unique glimpse into the lives—and deaths—of ancient inhabitants of Iran.

Archaeologists uncover potential evidence of early maritime activity in southern Iran

TEHRAN - Recent excavations at Iran’s Kopal archaeological site have revealed artifacts that could shed new light on early maritime practices, though researchers emphasize the need for further analysis.

Parthian mural excavated from southwest Iran reveals artistic innovation

TEHRAN – A rare Parthian-era wall painting, being kept at the National Museum of Iran, reveals sophisticated artistry and enduring secrets.

Intricately carved 2,700-year-old Assyrian relief unearthed in Iraq

TEHRAN - A team of German archaeologists from Heidelberg University has made a major archaeological breakthrough in the ancient city of Nineveh, unearthing a monumental Assyrian bas-relief dating back to the 7th century BC.

3,200-year-old Iron Age woman's skeleton discovered in northern Iran

TEHRAN – A team of archaeologists has uncovered the 3,200-year-old skeleton of a woman in a rural district in northern Iran.

Archaeologists uncover prehistoric fishing evidence in southeast Iran

TEHRAN - Archaeologists have discovered compelling evidence of ancient fishing and maritime activities along Makran coasts in southeastern Iran.

Iran National Museum journal launches new issue on occasion of Cultural Heritage Week

TEHRAN - The new issue of the Iran National Museum Quarterly Journal (Volume 3, Issue 1) has been published on the occasion of the Cultural Heritage Week, which commences concurrent with the International Museum Day on May 18.

Archaeological survey reveals evidence of Paleolithic human presence in Kerman plain

TEHRAN - An archaeological team has uncovered evidence of continuous human presence in the central plains of Kerman, southern Iran, stretching from the Paleolithic period to modern times.