Remains of a Parthian Fort Discovered in Malayer

Source: The Circle of Ancient Iranian Studies

LONDON, (CAIS) -- Following six months of continuous research, archaeologists have completed their studies on the post-Sasanian period in Kalan Dam in Malayer, Hamedan province and have started their work on recently discovered Parthian ruins at the site.

Announcing this, head of the excavation team involved in saving Patapeh Mound which will be submerged by the dam’s reservoir, Hassan Rezvani told Persian service of CHN that Patapeh is made up of different ancient layers from the pre-historic times up to the post-Sasanian period (637-850 E).

“Following the completion of studies on the post-Sasanian ruins, we came across architectural remains at the site date back to the Parthian dynastic era (248 BCE-224 CE),“ he said.

Earlier, discovery of a post-Sasanian fort at Kalan Dam in Malayer, Hamadan province, has paved the way for archaeologists to study 1,000 years of architectural developments in the area.

Archaeological studies on the fort reveal that the fort was in use from the Saljuq (1037-1187 CE) to Qajar (1781-1925 CE) periods and after various renovations, especially during the Ilkhanid era, it was transformed into glassworks in the period and an industrial center in the Zandieh era.

According to Rezvani, a three-meter wide wall made of bricks measuring 37 cm X 37 cm and mortar was also unearthed, demonstrating the strength of the fort in the Parthian period.

Patapeh, which is 25 meters high, is the highest mound which has so far been studied.