Unveiling History: Archaeological Excavations Commence at Ancient Persepolis
Exciting new developments are underway at Persepolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site in southern Iran, as archaeological excavations have commenced to determine the precise boundaries of its historic remains. This initiative is crucial for the preservation and management of the site, ensuring that both its cultural heritage and tourism potential are adequately protected.
On Saturday, Mohammad-Javad Jafari, the director of the Persepolis site, announced that these excavations began in early September. The objective is to identify the full extent of the monuments and support the ongoing preservation efforts. “The first-degree protected zone of Persepolis covers more than 6,000 hectares, where nearly 110 archaeological sites have been identified, of which 70 are registered on the national heritage list,” Jafari explained.
The archaeological sites encompass a wide range of significant historical elements, including:
- Prehistoric mounds
- Caves
- Rock shelters
- Cemeteries
- Mines
These sites date from the prehistoric era to later historical periods, highlighting the rich tapestry of human history present in the region.
Currently, three excavation projects are in progress:
- Tal-e Robahi led by Fazlollah Habibi
- Chah-e Jangal led by Ahmadali Asadi
- Tal-e Gavdari led by Abuzar Tavakol
These projects are funded by the Persepolis World Heritage Base and have received permits from Iran’s Research Institute of Cultural Heritage and Tourism.
Jafari emphasized the importance of these excavations, stating, “These excavations are essential for defining the exact boundaries of the monuments so that both preservation and tourism development plans can be implemented with minimal damage to cultural heritage.” He also highlighted that other key archaeological areas, such as Bakun A and B, Tal-e Shogha, and Tal-e Jari, located in the secondary and tertiary protection zones of Persepolis, will be prioritized for future boundary studies.
To ensure the ongoing protection of Persepolis and its surrounding zones, Jafari called for sustained funding, asserting that “annual and long-term budgets are needed to safeguard the archaeological resources.”
Earlier this month, Jafari disclosed that a comprehensive management and conservation plan for Persepolis is in development, addressing growing concerns from experts regarding the erosion of ancient stone reliefs. “We recognize the concerns about erosion of the stone reliefs at Persepolis as a serious national issue,” Jafari said. “That is why the master plan, which had been drafted earlier, is now being revised and finalized to serve as a comprehensive framework for management and conservation.”
In addition to the conservation plan, Jafari revealed that approximately 57 hectares of land surrounding Persepolis have been purchased to support tourism infrastructure, access management, and service upgrades. These measures are designed to prevent unregulated development and ensure the long-term protection of the site and its buffer zone.
International collaboration in conservation efforts has been ongoing for several years, initially with Italian teams. However, Iranian experts have since taken over the restoration and preservation efforts, employing localized materials and innovative technologies.
Recent projects in preservation include:
- Expansion of the Persepolis Museum, featuring a new 400-square-meter gallery set to open this autumn
- Active workshops at the tomb of Xerxes
- Restorations at the eastern portico of the Apadana Palace
- Work at the Tripylon or Council Hall
- Upcoming restoration at the Hadish Palace, the Hundred-Column Hall, and the southern terrace inscription
Additionally, efforts to remove moss from the northern portico of the Apadana are currently underway.
“Protecting Persepolis is both a national and global responsibility,” Jafari stated. “We aim to address concerns and move forward with a scientific, coordinated, and sustainable approach, while paving the way for the return of international experts and joint research projects.”
Founded by Darius the Great around 518 BC, Persepolis, also known as Takht-e Jamshid, served as the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire. Located 60 km northeast of Shiraz, this vast terrace and palatial complex was tragically destroyed by Alexander the Great in 330 BC. Today, its ruins, including the famous Apadana Palace and the Hundred-Column Hall, are recognized as one of the world’s foremost archaeological sites.
