Iran is one of the oldest countries with a rich culture and an original civilization in the world. Iran's 5,000-year-old history and historical monuments have earned us the 7th rank in UNESCO. There are many antiques and ancient monuments in Iran that reflect the glory and culture of Iranians from the past to the present. The cultural and historical importance of these monuments has led us to introduce some of the most prominent antiques discovered in Iran in this article. We recommend that you follow us to the end of the article to learn more about the culture and history of Iran.
Introducing 10 Antiques Discovered in Iran
Antiques, old objects, and ancient monuments left over from the past reflect the civilization and culture of our ancestors. Each of these old objects and antiques has great historical, cultural, and spiritual value. In fact, by examining each of these monuments, we can gain useful information about the beliefs, ways, and living conditions of the past. Over the years, various ancient works and antiques have been discovered in various parts of Iran. Below, we introduce 10 of these discovered antiques.
Cyrus the Great’s Charter of Human Rights; The World’s First Declaration of Human Rights
One of the most famous and honored antiques in Iran is the Cyrus the Great’s Charter of Human Rights, which was written in the 6th century BC by Cyrus the Great. This charter is made of baked clay and measures 23 x 10 centimeters and was found in Babylon in 1879. On this cylinder, the decrees and policies of Cyrus the Great are written in cuneiform and in the Akkadian language. Some of the most important of these decrees include freedom of religion and belief, establishing justice and prosperity, civilization and settlement, and freeing prisoners. The decrees and actions of Cyrus the Great were the beginning of civilization and humanity. So much so that the writings in this cylinder are considered the first declaration of human rights in the world. In fact, after the discovery and recognition of this cylinder, human rights laws became widespread in countries such as India, ancient Rome, Greece, and then throughout the world.
It is interesting to know that the Cyrus Cylinder Charter of Human Rights has been translated into 6 official languages of the United Nations. Even the United Nations has placed this charter in its headquarters as a sign of respect and value for human rights. Its original version is kept in the London Museum. There are several copies of this cylinder that are located in different parts of the world, including the National Museum of Iran.
The Hassanloo Golden Cup; One of the Most Valuable Antiques Discovered in Iran
Another Iranian antique that was discovered in 1373 on the Hassanloo Hill in the city of Naqdeh, West Azerbaijan; is the Hassanloo Golden Cup. This golden cup, which was found in the ruins of a burned city, belongs to the Minaean period. This means that the antiquity dates back to 1200 BC. The Hassanloo Cup is made of very high-grade gold (approximately 950 grams) and is 20 centimeters high. The carvings and designs on this cup are very precise and detailed. These designs include gods and mythical creatures (humans and winged animals), the image of the king, and ritual and religious scenes.
The Golden Cup of Hasanlu, which represents a very delicate and beautiful industry from 3,000 years ago, is kept in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
Darius' Gold and Silver Inscriptions in Persepolis; A Document of Achaemenid Power
Stone inscriptions made of gold and silver were the foundation of the Apadana Palace in Persepolis, dating back to the reign of Darius I. Along with these stone tablets, stone boxes measuring 45 x 15 centimeters and several coins were also discovered. These inscriptions were made in 515 BC and were completed after about 30 years. The Darius Tablets consist of two gold and two silver inscriptions that were found in 1938 under the columns of the Apadana Palace. By order of Darius the Great, these inscriptions were inscribed in three languages: Persian, Elamite, and Akkadian. The inscriptions begin with an introduction to Darius and his lineage. They then describe the vast Achaemenid realm (from India to the Mediterranean) and end with gratitude and appreciation to Ahura Mazda.
Currently, Darius’ gold and silver inscriptions are kept in the National Museum of Iran.
Xerxes’ Tablet; A Lasting Relic of the Persian Glory
Another antiquity discovered in Iran is the Xerxes’ Tablet, which dates back to the 5th century BC. Xerxes’ court was discovered, along with other inscriptions, in the Persepolis garrison. This tablet, made of marble and limestone, is inscribed with cuneiform writing in
Elamite, Akkadian, and Persian. In this inscription, after the introduction
Xerxes, the government orders and gratitude to Ahura Mazda, a list of various nations under Persian rule and the reign of Xerxes is inscribed. The Xerxes inscription, known as a prominent example of Achaemenid art and calligraphy, is in the Museum of the Oriental Institute, University of Chicago.
Statue of the Shami Man; a rare legacy of the Parthian nobility
The statue of the Parthian nobleman, also known as the Shami Man; is one of the few and rarest antiques remaining from the Parthian era (approximately the second century BC). This valuable ancient work was found in 1312 near a village in the city of Izeh, Khuzestan. The statue of the Shami Man, made of hollow bronze and approximately 1.9 meters high, is attributed to Sorena, a famous Parthian general.
The statue of the Shami man shows a person standing in a long robe and a Parthian belt, indicating his aristocratic status and nobility. The facial details of this statue reflect the Greco-Iranian art and casting skills of the Parthian period. The statue of the Parthian nobleman is in the National Museum of Iran.
The Salt Men of Zanjan; Amazing Mummies from the Achaemenid to Sasanian Periods
Another famous example of Iranian antiquity is the Salt Men. In 1993, 6 natural mummies were discovered in the Cheherabad salt mine, Zanjan province. Since the bodies of these 6 people were buried in salt, they were naturally mummified. Some of them even had long beards and hair. Along with these bodies, several pieces of leather clothing and shoes, work tools, belts, etc. were discovered. According to research, 3 mummies belong to the Achaemenid period and two others to the Sasanian period. The sixth mummy is also in the Zanjan salt mine due to the lack of sufficient facilities. Some of these mummies were damaged and broken into pieces due to a bulldozer collision.
Currently, one of these salt men is in the National Museum of Iran and 3 mummies are in the Archaeological Museum of Zanjan.
Striding Lion Inscription; A Symbol of Achaemenid Authority in Brick Art (Striding Lion)
The Striding Lion Inscription is one of the surviving works from the Achaemenid era. This tablet, made of glazed bricks, depicts several lions of equal size and in a perfectly regular pattern. In 3 places of this inscription, a pair of diamonds in the shape of the number "eight" can be seen. The interesting thing about this ancient inscription is the detail and elegance in the carving of the patterns. In this inscription, even the muscles of the lions' bodies are seen in relief.
The Striding Lion Tablet is considered one of the most iconic artifacts in the world, representing the power of the Achaemenid Empire. This inscription is kept at the Royal Ontario Museum.
The Animated Cup of the Burnt City; The Beginning of Animated Art in the Ancient World
The Animated Cup is an underground treasure in Iran that was discovered among the pottery of the Burnt City. This 5,000-year-old cup is engraved with the image of a jumping goat. After examining the cup, archaeologists realized that the patterns on it were purposefully engraved. After placing these designs next to each other, a moving image was created. For this reason, they named this antique the “Animation Cup.”
Artificial Eye
One of the strangest antiques discovered in Iran is an artificial eye dating back 5,000 years. This artificial eye, made of natural bitumen and animal fat, was discovered during the excavation of the Burnt City in Sistan and Baluchestan. This antique belonged to a 25-30 year old lady, probably from the aristocratic class. This amazing artificial eye is about a centimeter long and is golden in color with black veins. In fact, the pupil of this black antique and its capillaries are made of thin golden wires (half a millimeter). This artificial eye was attached to the eyelid with the help of 2 thin threads.
It is interesting to know that this eye prosthesis is still intact and is in the National Museum of Iran.
5000-year-old artificial eye in the burnt city; a medical wonder in ancient Iran
Another example of underground treasure in Iran are the Bronze Age pins or mefragh discovered in the Red-Dem Lori temple near Kohdasht, Lorestan. Archaeologists believe that these pins were common in wedding ceremonies among the people and were related to the goddess of fertility. These bronze pins had different designs and patterns. For example, some of them had an image of a rose with eight petals, decorated with smaller flowers and dotted designs around it. Also, these bronze pins were attached to the head by a small lion's head embedded on them.
Secrets Hidden in Ancient Iranian Antiquities; A Window to the Culture and Civilization of Our Ancestors
As you have seen in this article; Over the years, precious works and antiquities have been discovered throughout Iran. Each of these antiquities has a unique age and information that shows the power and greatness of Iran. From the Charter of Cyrus the Great, which was the beginning of human rights, to the pins of the Bronze Age, all of them emphasize the civilization and fruitful history of Iran. We have introduced the most prominent and representative of them among the antiquities of Iran.
What famous antique or ancient work do you know from Iran? Share with us in the comments section.
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