Ancient Discovery: 500,000-Year-Old Stone Tools Unearthed in South Khorasan

Recent discoveries at the ancient site of Dagh Island in Aysak city, located in Sarayan, South Khorasan province, have unveiled significant findings related to the Acheulean industry. These include ancient hand axes that date back nearly half a million years, which could potentially reshape our understanding of human settlement on the eastern Iranian plateau. According to Ahmad Barabadi, the manager of the South Khorasan Cultural Heritage Department, this remarkable discovery opens a new chapter in the archaeology of the region.

Barabadi emphasized the historical importance of these findings, noting that they result from recent explorations that began 50 years after prior archaeological activities at Khounik Cave. The team has successfully excavated various layers within 13 trenches at this ancient site, revealing crucial insights into the area’s Paleolithic history.

The preliminary evaluations suggest that the artifacts associated with the Middle Paleolithic period range between 100,000 and 200,000 years old, while those from the Upper Paleolithic period are estimated to be over 500,000 years old. However, Barabadi pointed out that precise dating will require detailed laboratory studies conducted at reliable centers for accurate scientific analysis and documentation.

These findings could significantly influence our understanding of human evolution on the Iranian Plateau. Ali Sadraei, the archaeologist leading the exploration team, highlighted that the Acheulean industry, previously identified in western Iran and globally, is now recognized in eastern Iran for the first time. This discovery solidifies eastern Iran’s position on the cultural and technological map of early human dispersion.

Explorations commenced in the Iranian month of Tir, with support from the South Khorasan Cultural Heritage Department, and are currently nearing completion. The team has uncovered various stone tools, including Middle Paleolithic bayonets, and evidence of interglacial settlements.

Additionally, Mohammad Nasiri, a representative of Ferdows, Tabas, and Sarayan counties in Majlis, visited the ancient site and underscored the importance of protecting these invaluable artifacts. He stated, “This precious heritage is part of the identity and ancient civilization of South Khorasan and should be transformed into one of the country’s outstanding scientific and historical tourism attractions with principled planning.”

The ancient site of Daqh Jazeera (Dagh Island) spans over 300 hectares in the southwestern Aysak district of Sarayan county and is recognized as the largest Paleolithic site in eastern Iran. The recent discoveries are crucial for reevaluating the history of human life in this area, paving the way for new archaeological research and the advancement of scientific tourism in eastern Iran.

South Khorasan is a province rich in cultural heritage, boasting remarkable capacities that should be showcased to both domestic and international tourists through effective media outreach.

One of the region’s notable geographical features is the Lut Desert, located in southeastern Iran, bordered by the provinces of Kerman, Sistan-Baluchestan, and South Khorasan. The Lut Desert, known as Dasht-e Lut, offers endless dunes, expansive plains, and stunning clear skies, alongside a rich cultural history that dates back over 7,000 years. This beautiful desert serves as a haven for visitors, seamlessly blending geotourism, adventure tourism, and cultural tourism into a unique experience.

As efforts continue to uncover and protect the archaeological treasures of South Khorasan, these findings not only enrich our understanding of early human history but also highlight the region’s potential as a destination for scientific and historical tourism. The commitment to preserving this ancient heritage will ensure that South Khorasan remains an integral part of Iran’s cultural narrative.