Exciting Discovery: Ancient Achaemenid Quarry Linked to Susa Palace Unearthed in Western Iran!
In a remarkable archaeological discovery, Iranian researchers have uncovered what is believed to be the long-lost quarry that supplied the massive stones for Achaemenid-era masterpieces, including the magnificent palace of Darius the Great in the ancient city of Susa. This groundbreaking find, located near the city of Abdanan in Ilam province, western Iran, is being celebrated as one of the most significant archaeological breakthroughs in West Asia in recent years.
Mohammad-Ebrahim Zarei, head of Iran’s Research Institute of Cultural Heritage and Tourism, announced this historic discovery during an official visit to Abdanan on Friday. He stated, “For over two millennia, the origin of the stones used in Darius’s palace remained a mystery. This discovery is astonishing and could solve a 2,000-year-old historical puzzle.“
The monumental find was made possible through the dedicated efforts of local teacher Mohammad Heydari, who first proposed the site, and archaeologist Luqman Ahmadzadeh-Shohani, who led the excavation project. The research team, operating under the Institute’s Archaeology Department, employed a combination of field surveys, satellite imagery, and geological studies to identify extensive remnants of ancient quarrying operations. Key findings included:
- Stone-cutting tools
- Evidence of extraction processes
- Significant quantities of limestone and iron ore, potentially used in crafting metal joints for Achaemenid stone architecture
Historical references to a site named “Abiradush” — mentioned in inscriptions by Darius I as the source of stones for the Apadana Palace — have long intrigued scholars. Until this discovery, its exact location remained elusive. The newly identified quarry in the Kabir Kuh mountains near Abdanan aligns with historical descriptions and is believed to be the elusive Abiradush.
Zarei remarked, “The Apadana Palace in Susa is one of the most majestic royal structures of ancient Iran. Identifying the true origin of its building materials opens a new chapter in our understanding of Achaemenid construction logistics, architectural planning, and resource management.“
The research team estimates the quarry site is approximately 150 kilometers from Susa. The stones were likely transported via a complex route that combined mountainous roads and riverways, particularly utilizing the Karkheh River.
Archaeologists express optimism that this discovery will not only enhance our understanding of the engineering and architectural feats of the Achaemenid Empire but also pave the way for potential UNESCO World Heritage status for the site. This could lead to new opportunities in cultural tourism and sustainable heritage development in the central Zagros region.
Although detailed studies are ongoing, and more visual documentation is anticipated, the discovery has already drawn comparisons to the renowned Pentelic marble quarries used in constructing the Parthenon in Athens, as noted by Zarei.
This is not the first Achaemenid quarry identified in Iran. About a decade ago, archaeologists uncovered large-scale stone extraction sites near Pasargadae, including the extensive “Almas-Bori” quarry and others used for building foundational and decorative elements in royal structures.
Experts believe continued research into these ancient quarrying systems will shed light on the sophisticated techniques employed by Achaemenid builders, including:
- Extraction of 2- to 50-ton stone blocks
- Transportation by ox-drawn carts
- Polishing using date palm fibers and sharkskin
Susa: A Gateway to Historical Destinations
The UNESCO-registered city of Susa was once the winter residence of Persian kings after it was captured by Cyrus the Great. Susa became part of the Persian Empire under Cyrus II, also known as Cyrus the Great, around 538 or 539 BC.
Numerous archaeological seasons in Susa have yielded a wealth of relics, including:
- Pottery
- Arms
- Ornamental objects
- Metalwork
- Bronze articles
- Clay tablets
Susa serves as a gateway to several noteworthy destinations, such as:
- The UNESCO-tagged ziggurat of Tchogha Zanbil
- The ruins of Achaemenid Apadana Castle
- Shush Castle (Akropol)
- The Prophet Daniel Shrine
- The Museum of Susa
- The archaeological mount of Haft Tapeh
Located in the lower Zagros mountain range, Susa is identified as Shushan in the Book of Esther and other Biblical texts.
Visitors can follow the self-guided signage past date palms into the excavation site of the 521 BC Palace of Darius, the powerful Achaemenid king. To the east lies the Royal City, an area with deep excavations through 15 strata, while south of the castle is an eroded earthen watchtower.
Dominating the landscape is the fortress-like Chateau de Morgan (Shush Castle), constructed on the remnants of an Elamite acropolis by the French in the early 20th century to protect their treasures. While it is not open to the public, there are excellent views from the surrounding paths, including a view of the Tomb of Daniel.
In the Bible, Susa is primarily known from the story of Esther, where Haman the Agagite plotted against the Jews of Persia. According to the narrative, Esther outsmarted him by persuading her husband, King Ahasuerus of Persia, to thwart Haman’s plan. This episode is commemorated annually during the Jewish Purim festival, marked by costumed parties and celebrations.
It is recorded that Alexander of Macedonia captured Susa in 330 BC and plundered the city, seizing approximately 40,000 talents of gold and silver from the treasury. Following this, Susa’s decline began as Alexander favored Babylon, and after a revolt, the city was set ablaze. It was later rebuilt by Sapor II (309-379 CE) and renamed Iranshahr Shapur, playing a significant role in the resistance against the Arab invasion of 645.
After the fall of the Achaemenid Empire and the reign of Alexander the Great, who also married in Susa, the city became part of the Seleucid Empire and was called Seleucia on the Eulaeus. A palace in Greek style was constructed next to Darius’ palace, with the administrative center located in the southern part of the city, where numerous Greek and Parthian inscriptions were discovered. During the Parthian age, the city even minted its own coins.
