Archaeologists unearth pre-Islamic graveyard in northern Iran
September 15th, 2008 - 12:20 pm ICT by ANITehran , September 15 (ANI): Archeologists have discovered a burial ground and a unique burial ritual dating back to Sassanid and post-Islamic eras in northern Iran .
According to a report by FARS News Agency, recent excavations in the northern province of Mazandaran uncovered a burial ground, and brought to light a unique burial ritual.
Nails were discovered around the ancient bodies, but archeologists say that these did not come from any coffin.
The nails were found in a deliberate pattern.
One nail was found beside the knee, one beside the left shoulder, some on top of the head and a few others under the feet.
The specific practice has not been observed in any other historical study. Archeologists therefore believe the discovery of the burial ground could be of great importance.
The graves all belong to young people and children, and the nail patterns have turned into a puzzle which archeologists are keen to try and solve.
Silver spoons and bracelets, as well as turquoise beads were found near graves.
Further studies of the burial site and the relics are expected to reveal more clues as to the meaning behind the nails, and the identities of those buried. (ANI)
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Tags: archaeologists, archeologists, bracelets, burial ground, burial ritual, burial site, coffin, eras, excavations, further studies, graveyard, iran tehran, left shoulder, nails, news agency, northern iran, northern province, relics, silver spoons, turquoise beads
