TEHRAN ––Police forces have recently recovered some historical relics from the home of a potential suspect in the ancient city of Neyshabur.

Police discovered a number of objects, estimated to date from the (early) Islamic era after they inspected the residential house and garden of a suspect, a local police commander said on Sunday.

“Moreover, the authorities’ investigation led to the discovery of an [illegal] excavation site.”

In that regard, one individual was detained and surrendered to the judicial system for further investigation and trial, the commander said.

A history buff's paradise, Neyshabur (also called “Nishapur”) is situated about 70 km west of Mashhad in northeastern Iran.

The city was founded around the 3rd century CE. Narratives say that it derived its name from its alleged founder, the Sasanian king Shapur I.

Neyshabur rose to prominence in the 8th century and was destroyed by invasions and earthquakes in the 13th century.

At its height between the 9th and 13th centuries, Neyshabur had a population of around 100,000 to 200,000 people and a development covering an area of around six square miles.

AM