Exploring Innovative Tech in Salvage Archaeology: Insights from the National Conference on Dam Projects

On Saturday, Tehran hosted a significant national conference focused on the integration of modern science and technology in salvage archaeology, particularly for major water and energy infrastructure projects. The event, titled “Prospects for Applying Modern Sciences and Technologies in Salvage Archaeological Excavations of Water and Energy Infrastructure Projects,” aimed to explore innovative methods for safeguarding cultural heritage threatened by large-scale development.

The conference took place at the headquarters of the Iran Water and Power Resources Development Company and featured a range of officials and experts, including:

• Mohammad Rahbari: Advisor to the company’s CEO
• Ebrahim Zarei: Head of the Research Institute of Cultural Heritage and Tourism
• Masoumeh Mosalla: Head of the Iranian Center for Archaeological Research
• Farzad Mafi and Mohammadreza Nemati: Scientific secretaries of the conference

Throughout the event, experts discussed the crucial role of new technologies in salvage archaeology, emphasizing their importance in protecting cultural heritage that is at risk due to extensive development projects. A notable presentation by Fereidoun Biglari, the head of the Paleolithic Department at the National Museum of Iran, along with Sonia Shidrang, a faculty member at Shahid Beheshti University, shed light on recent archaeological work conducted at the Darian Dam in Hawraman.

During their presentation, they detailed the surveys and excavations conducted in the Darian Dam reservoir area from late 2015 to the end of 2016. The findings were remarkable, with more than 70 archaeological sites identified, including:

• Caves
• Rock shelters
• Open-air sites
• Cemeteries
• Rock art
• Fortifications

The material culture uncovered spanned from the Middle Paleolithic to the late Islamic periods. In total, five archaeological teams excavated 16 major sites before the reservoir was filled, showcasing the rich historical context of the area.

The conference also underscored the significance of digital documentation in recording sites that are likely to be submerged, highlighting advanced techniques such as photogrammetry and laser scanning. These technologies are instrumental in creating detailed 3D models of vulnerable locations. For instance, the Darai Rock Shelter was documented using laser scanning to preserve its spatial characteristics, ensuring the site’s heritage is not lost.

Furthermore, experts shared insights into various engineering measures undertaken to protect archaeological sites in situ. At the Kenacheh Cave, which contained deep stratified deposits from the Upper Paleolithic and Epipaleolithic periods, archaeologists implemented a multilayer protective system. This system included:

• Geotextile
• Sand
• Gravel
• Gabions

This multilayer approach was designed to shield the sediments from water pressure and erosion, demonstrating the innovative strategies employed to safeguard cultural assets.

During the conference, several key provisions were explored, including:

• Creating national standards for digital documentation
• Establishing a unified database for salvage archaeology projects
• Expanding training in digital and engineering preservation methods

The discussion also covered geophysical methods for salvage excavations, the potential role of artificial intelligence in archaeological analysis, and the use of remote sensing techniques to identify ancient site boundaries. The conference concluded with a comprehensive summary of presentations and the reading of the final statement, marking a significant advancement in the field of salvage archaeology in Iran.

Such gatherings not only foster collaboration among experts but also pave the way for innovative approaches to preserving our cultural heritage in the face of modern challenges. By harnessing the power of modern science and technology, the future of archaeology in Iran looks promising, with the potential to safeguard invaluable historical treasures for generations to come.