Tehran – A piece of carved ceramic, known as Ostraka, has been identified in the Lenn district of Isfahan province, Iran.
Its contents illustrate the existence of commercial and industrial settlements at Zayan de Flud River Bank.
The artifacts are estimated to date back to the Sassanid period. It is considered one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the current Iranian year, opening up a new season of historical research in Lenjan, reports Isna.
Aqil Aqili, head of the Archaeological Committee of the Isfahan Tourist Guide Association, said the accidental discovery was the result of the continued efforts of members of the Lenjan Heritage Preservation Association.
On a scientific visit to the site, made at the invitation of the Lenjan Heritage Preservation Association, a collection of archaeological evidence, including architectural ruins, scattered pottery, metal slags, stone tools, and Ostracons, was identified in the Sassanid Pahlavi script.
“After reading the preliminary research and engraved pottery, I realized it was sixth in the Central script in Persia. This diagnosis was then completed by communication and confirmation by Sirous Nasrollahzadeh, head of the Institute of Linguistics in Iran,” Aqili said.
Emphasizing that the identified pieces of pottery are of great importance in terms of linguistics and archaeology, he said, “It was written in a typical Pahlavi script in the late Sassanid era. It is difficult to read today.”
This engraved pottery was used as a medium for writing information such as remittances, receipts, and product exchanges.
Ostracas, found in Tappemil (Milhill) in Balamin, Chaletalkan in Rei, Abunasl Fortress in Shiraz, and in 1984 ceramic fragments found at Hegmatane Hill, are believed to be in the same category of works.
He continued, considering the work carried out by Rasoul Bashash, a professor at the Institute of Linguistics on Ostracas, related to the Parthian Period, and the research that was engraved in the pottery period, which was engraved in the pottery period, which was associated with the early Islamic period, such as fragments such as fragments found near Baramin. As follows, in Nisa city, all the engraved pottery was part of the unbroken dish, including the name of the garden, its location, the delivery date of the extract of various fruits such as vinegar, and the delivery date of the extract of the person who brought it.
In contrast, similar samples containing carved pottery around Valamine and Chaletalkan and the discussed pottery of Hegmatane are used in the form of broken pieces such as remittances and notes. Their writings do not relate to the main content of the cuisine.
Acry said that the main topic of ceramics related to the NISA site is the supply of extracts such as vinegar, but many agricultural items such as wheat flour and barley are registered in the ceramic pieces surrounding balamin, chaletalkan and hegmatana.
These works were delivered to people in the form of money transfers or receipts.
Perhaps the waste lines drawn on many ceramic pieces around the Balamin were signs of correction or sedimentation of items recorded in these ceramics.
The following can be interpreted from the content of this inscription, which is likely related to counting or exchange. The site discussed was one of the important industrial and commercial reconciliation of the late Sassanid period, perhaps until the first Islamic century.
The presence of metal tools and slag also confirms the smelting and production of metals at this site.
He said that Renjan district, particularly Khan Renjan city, is known as one of the most prosperous settlements in Jibar province (western Iran), and has been mentioned by geographers such as Ibn Hokal, Al Muqadashi and Yakut Hamavi.
He added that Khan Renjan Fortress, near the reconciliation, has played a key role in the political, agriculture and defence development of the region.
He continued that, based on studies conducted by archaeologist Jaleh Kamalizad, Khan Lenjan was once the first Islamic city of Islamic city and Isfahan political subdivision town.
Based on urban network theory, despite its political affiliation with Isfahan, Khan Renjan Township played a pivotal role in the Lentin region. However, it lost prosperity during the Il Honeydo era after the destruction of the mountain castle and the transfer to the city of Firzan in the district centre.
Acry said his gaze has been transformed into Ranjan again following recent discoveries, adding that Lenjan district is more important due to its strategic situation, access to the Zayanderudo River and its proximity to ancient routes throughout history.
He expressed hope that the official registration of the site and the beginning of scientific research and excavation will clear a new dimension of the economic, cultural and environmental history of this part of Isfahan.
KD