Following archaeological excavations in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, a valuable archaeological site with an area of 10 hectares was identified around Kaj city of Ardal district.
An archeologist and faculty member of the Iranian Archaeological Research Institute said: “The largest prehistoric site was discovered in Ardal district, Chahar Mahal and Bakhtiari”
According to the report of Aria Heritage and according to the public relations of the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Ali Asghar Nowruzi added: “Following the case studies of archaeologists of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari cultural heritage, an important archaeological site with an area of 10 hectares around the city of Kaj, Ardal district, was identified.
He said: “This ancient site is located in a strip along the communication route from Beheshtabad to Kaj, and contains credible evidence of important human settlements of various pre-Islamic periods.”
Nowroozi pointed out: “Archaeological findings and preliminary researches of surface artifacts indicate that an essential part of this area belonged to the Late Paleolithic period with more than 10,000 years age, but after excavations start, there is the possibility of finding older artifacts.”
Nowruzi said: “In the identified period, there have been changes in the human diet, and we are witnessing the addition of small animals to the human diet.” The archaeologist and the Iranian Archaeological Research Institute faculty member added: “In fact, in the post-Paleolithic period, humans began to hunt smaller animals and collect wild grains and fish.”
He said: “Due to the proximity of this region to water resources, including the Karun River for fishing-related activities, transportation routes, and ideal environmental conditions due to the favorable climate, this region has always witnessed the establishment of various ethnic groups; throughout history.”
Nowroozi added: “Other archeological pieces of evidence found in this place are pottery of prehistoric Neolithic, copper and stone periods and bronze period up to the Islamic period, along with architectural evidence.”
He added: “This archaeological site has important archaeological values in terms of development in the area, which can be a remarkable place to study the process of transition from Paleolithic to Neolithic and the process of creating the first human settlements in this part of the Zagros.”
The archaeologist continued: “For this purpose, from the provincial and national dimensions, the discovered site has a lot of research, historical and cultural values, and so far, numerous artifacts from different periods have been identified in the Ardal district.”
Nowruzi reminded: “For the protection and maintenance, research and introduction of these works, the help, and support of the people and officials of the region will be very decisive and effective.”
Ardal is located 75 km from the center of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari.
