TEHRAN – Three centuries-old rhytons excavated from an ancient salt mine in Iran’s Zanjan province have been registered on the national list for cultural heritage.

Three rhytons previously discovered from the Chehrabad (Douzlakh) salt mine have been officially registered on the national heritage list, as confirmed by Zanjan province’s directorate for cultural heritage and tourism, CHTN reported on Friday.

Of those movable artifacts, two rhytons date back to the Seljuk era, while the third one is attributed to the Achaemenid period, the official explained.

Chehrabad mine has been an archaeological site of great significance, yielding valuable artifacts that provide insights into the historical and cultural heritage of the region. The discovery of these rhytons further enriches the narrative of Zanjan’s contribution to Iran’s national heritage.

The term rhyton refers to a ceremonial drinking vessel with a distinctive shape, often featuring intricate designs and craft skills. These artifacts are not only a testament to the artistic prowess of their respective eras but also offer a glimpse into the rituals and cultural practices of ancient civilizations.

As mentioned by the provincial tourism department, the registration of these artifacts on the national heritage list underscores the importance of safeguarding and preserving Zanjan’s cultural treasures.

Results of archaeological excavations suggest that Chehrabad has been the subject of a long-term activity that started from the Achaemenid era, continuing in different periods including the Sassanid, Seljuk, Safavid, Qajar, and Pahlavi periods.

What was a catastrophe for the ancient miners has become a sensation for science. In 1993, miners at the Douzlakh Salt Mine, near Hamzehli and Chehrabad villages in Zanjan Province, stumbled upon a remarkably preserved mummified head, dating back to 300 CE. The discovery was accidental, revealing astonishing details about the individual.

The first saltman is currently on display at the National Museum of Iran in Tehran, where visitors can witness the impressive preservation of this historical figure. Initially dated based on associated archaeological material, later carbon dating placed the mummy in 500 CE, during the height of the Sasanian Empire.

Subsequent carbon dating of the second “Saltman” positioned him at 1554 BP, coinciding with the Sasanian era. The third, fourth, and fifth saltmen were also carbon-dated, placing them in the Achaemenid period, with the third at 2337 BP, the fourth at 2301 BP, and the fifth at 2286 BP.

Each saltman has revealed unique insights. The first, with blood type B+, displayed fractures around the eye and head, indicative of pre-death trauma. The impressive leather boots and gold earrings suggested a person of notable rank, yet the reason for their presence in the mine remains a mystery.

Saltman No. 5’s remains contained tapeworm eggs from the Taenia sp. genus, suggesting a diet involving raw or undercooked meat—the earliest evidence of ancient intestinal parasites in the region. The best-preserved and perhaps the most poignant discovery was saltman No. 4, a sixteen-year-old miner caught in the moment of death, tragically crushed by a cave-in.

AFM