TEHRAN - Excavations have begun at Digvar Tepe in Ardabil province’s Germi following the discovery of an ancient brick structure during illegal digging, a local official announced.

“The discovery of a brick structure during illegal digging at Digvar Tepe necessitated authorized archaeological studies,” the head of the Archaeology Department of the Ardabil province told IRNA on Sunday. “Which have now commenced with a permit from the research institute of cultural heritage and tourism.”

Initially, the excavation will focus on determining the boundaries and area of the historical hill, followed by the excavation of the brick structure, according to Ruhollah Mohammadi.

The restoration and rehabilitation of the discovered structure, likely a public utility building, the official brought to light, will occur simultaneously with the archaeological work.

He further elaborated that Digvar Tepe was registered on the National Heritage List in 2007.

Initial studies, Mohammadi underscored, indicate that the archaeological site, located near the Iran-Azerbaijan border, includes various settlement sections, a historical structure, and graves dating from the first millennium BC to the Safavid era.

Germi Mughan, located in northern Ardabil province, was historically a major Parthian settlement, with Parthian artifacts discovered in the villages of Ramazanlu, Daryaman, and Parmeyir.

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