Archaeologists have identified three mines in the foothills of the Zagros Mountains in the Abdanan region of Ilam, which they believe could be the long-lost mines of the Achaemenid era. Their theory suggests that these mines were likely the main source of the stones used in the construction of Darius the Great’s palace in the ancient city of Susa.
According to the head of the Cultural Heritage Research Institute, the exact source of the stones used in Darius the Great’s palace had remained unknown for over two thousand years—until now, with the discovery of these mines by Iranian archaeologists.
As reported by ISNA, Mohammad Ebrahim Zarei, head of the Cultural Heritage and Tourism Research Institute, who announced the discovery on Friday, 22nd of Farvardin 1404 (April 11, 2025), stated that more precise laboratory analyses are currently underway to identify the type of stones discovered. These tests aim to compare them with existing samples from the columns of the Susa palace. This specialized research is set to enter a new phase in the coming two weeks. If it confirms a shared origin, the global registration dossier for Susa can be updated with new findings—marking a strategic step forward that could offer a renewed opportunity to reassess and elevate the global significance of both the archaeological site and the region where the mines were found.
According to the head of the Cultural Heritage Research Institute, initial studies at the mines have uncovered signs of ancient stone-cutting tools, remnants of extraction activities, and a notable amount of iron ore. This iron ore was most likely used to produce metal clamps in Achaemenid stone architecture. These findings, along with the region’s geological characteristics, significantly strengthen the likelihood that the mines date back to the Achaemenid period.
Loqman Ahmadzadeh Shohani, the archaeologist heading the Abdanan Mines project—who was able to identify the sites following a lead from local teacher Mohammad Heydari—shared details of this remarkable discovery: “On the 10th of Mehr, I happened to come across a video on Instagram Explore by a mountaineer named Mohammad Heydari. He was showcasing some mines in the Kabirkouh area and thought the stones had been used to make millstones. But what I saw in the footage was vastly different from what he believed. The method of stone extraction bore a striking resemblance to techniques used during the Achaemenid era, and I instantly knew it was something worth investigating.”
He continued: “Without Mohammad Heydari’s sharp eye and collaboration, this discovery wouldn’t have been possible. He had identified three mines that showed strong evidence of engineered extraction in ancient times. These mines aligned not only geographically but also in their stone-harvesting methods with known Achaemenid mining practices.”
Ahmadzadeh stated that this finding offers a new lead on the origin of the stones used in Darius the Great’s palace. In the foundation inscription of the Apadana Palace in Susa—one of the most splendid royal structures of ancient Iran—Darius the Great, king of the Achaemenid Empire, names the stone source as “Abiradoush.” However, the exact location of that quarry had remained a mystery until now. The discovery of these mines in Abdanan, on the slopes of the Kabirkouh mountains, could potentially solve this 2,000-year-old enigma. The new findings strongly suggest that the mines uncovered in Abdanan may very likely be the long-lost site of Abiradoush.
Ahmadzadeh, who leads the Achaemenid Mines Project in Abdanan, continued: “In the second phase of the project, we’re using remote sensing technologies, 3D modeling, and petrographic analysis to trace and reconstruct the stone transport routes from Abdanan to Susa. This research could show us how enormous and heavy stones were moved from the Zagros Mountains to the construction site in Susa.”
He emphasized: “This discovery not only helps us identify a long-lost piece of history but also revives a forgotten chapter of Achaemenid engineering, architecture, and resource management. If these mines are indeed Abiradoush, they were part of a civilization that continues to amaze us even today.”
Ahmadzadeh added: “If confirmed through further detailed testing, this discovery could pave the way for new opportunities—ranging from the potential inclusion of the mines in UNESCO’s World Heritage list, to expanding cultural tourism in the region, and deepening scholarly research on construction technologies of the Achaemenid era.”
The Apadana Palace—whose stones, according to its own inscription, were sourced from a place called “Abiradush,” possibly linked to the newly discovered mines in Abdanan—was built in the ancient city of Susa by the order of Darius the Great around 515–521 BCE. It was constructed atop the remains of the earlier Elamite civilization. The palace was unearthed during excavations conducted between 1932 and 1935 (1311–1314 in the Iranian calendar) and was officially registered as a national heritage site of Iran on Mehr 10, 1380 (October 2, 2001), under the listing number 3981. In 2015, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list as part of the broader Susa site.a
The palace walls were made of mudbrick with a brick facade, and its columns were carved from stone. The interior walls were adorned with glazed bricks featuring detailed reliefs of the Immortal Guard soldiers, winged lions, and lotus flowers. Significant portions of the palace were damaged in a fire during the reign of Artaxerxes I, later restored under Artaxerxes II, and eventually destroyed during Alexander the Great’s invasion. The remains of the palace can still be seen in Susa today.
