Tehran, 28 November 2006 (CHN Foreign Desk) -- Second season of archeological excavations in northwest Iran resulted in the discovery of a brick cuneiform inscription in Rabat Tepe which is believed to belong to Assyrian government (746-609 BC). 

 

Announcing this news Reza Heidari, head of the archeology team in Rabat Tepe, told CHN: “This is the first time that archeologists have succeeded in discovering a cuneiform inscription in the northwestern part of Iran. The script is enameled in white and carved on a brick.”

 

Regarding the significance of this discovery, Heidari explained: “Finding any kind of written evidence in a historical site provides archeologists with a great chance to unveil the region’s historic background as well as the cultural and religious beliefs of its inhabitants. Thus the discovery of this inscription is also an important clue to trace the existence of Mannai and Urartu kingdoms in this region and find their relations to the Assyrians.”

 

Archeologists predict existence of more cultural evidence such as flagstones, engraved and enameled bricks, and earthenware objects in Rabat Tepe and believe that more invaluable findings could come out of this area if excavations are resumed.

 

Rabat hill is one of the richest archeological sites of West Azarbaijan, a province in northwest Iran, and dates back to 1000 BC. Archeologists had estimated the area of this historic site to be only four hectares; however, last year’s studies in Rabat Tepe and its surrounding historic site showed that it covers a 25 hectare area. 

 

Second season of archeological excavations in this historic hill started to find out the relation between Rabat Tepe and Musasir, which was a semi-independent buffer state bordering Mannai between Assyria and Urartu and was called the “Sun Government” by Assyrians.  

 

 

Soudabeh Sadigh

foreigndesk@chn.ir