Shahr-e Sukhteh, also known as the Burnt City, is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Iran, with a history spanning over 5,000 years. Excavations have revealed remarkable artifacts and evidence of advanced knowledge in various fields, suggesting that its inhabitants possessed sophisticated skills in medical science, urban planning, and artistic expression. Shahr-e Sukhteh was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in June 2014.
Location of the city
Shahr-e Sukhteh is located in the province of Sistan and Baluchistan, southeastern Iran. This region is situated on elevated dunes with heights ranging from 12 to 18 meters and lies between the Hamun and Hirmand rivers. The most convenient way to reach this area is by air, as the nearest airport is 60 kilometers away, with a journey time of approximately 50 minutes.
Discoveries in the city
Groundbreaking discoveries in Shahr-e Sukhteh highlight the cultural and scientific advancements of its people. Below are some of the most remarkable findings that leave any viewer in awe.
Brain Surgery
The discovery of a young girl’s skull revealed the first known instance of brain surgery to treat hydrocephalus. A portion of her skull was carefully removed to relieve pressure on the brain, and experts believe she survived for months after the procedure.
Artificial Eye
The world’s earliest artificial eye was discovered in the grave of a young woman, estimated to be around 30 years old. Made from natural materials, this remarkable artifact demonstrates the advanced medical knowledge in Shahr-e Sukhteh.
Animated Drawings
A pottery vessel found in Shahr-e Sukhteh features the earliest known example of animation. The five sequential images show a goat moving toward a tree and feeding from its leaves, making it the oldest animated depiction in history.
Backgammon Board
Inside one of the graves, archaeologists discovered the oldest known Backgammon Board, complete with 60 pieces. This ancient game reflects the recreational culture of Shahr-e Sukhteh, revealing insights into the city’s leisure activities.
Measuring Ruler
One of the earliest known rulers, accurate to half a millimeter, was found in Shahr-e Sukhteh. Its precision reflects the city’s craftsmanship and advanced measurement techniques, which are still highly impressive by today’s standards.
Plumbing System
Excavations have uncovered pipes believed to be part of a sophisticated water supply or sewage disposal system. The presence of this infrastructure suggests a highly organized approach to urban planning, rarely seen in ancient cities.
Flat and Cylinder Seals
Flat and cylindrical seals found in Shahr-e Sukhteh were used for marking goods and documents, indicating extensive commercial exchanges with other ancient civilizations, such as Jiroft. This discovery highlights the city’s trade networks.
Accounting Tablet
The accounting tablet found in Shahr-e Sukhteh is one of the earliest known of its kind, offering insight into the city’s economic operations. It features linear marks indicating the type of goods shipped and rectangular marks denoting the quantity.
Due to all these fascinating Discoveries, Shahr-e Sukhteh is known by various names, reflecting its multifaceted legacy. It is often referred to as the “City of Art” due to the discovery of remarkable artistic works and as the “City of Science” in recognition of its significant scientific achievements, particularly in the field of medicine. Notably, the absence of defensive walls suggests a peaceful coexistence with neighboring settlements. The lack of weaponry among the unearthed artifacts further supports this idea, earning it the title of the “City of Peace.”
Sectors of the city
The area of Shahr-e Sukhteh is divided into five main sectors, as mentioned by archaeologists: The Eastern Residential Area, located in the highest point of the site. The Great Central Area, or Central Quarters, separated from the western, southern and eastern areas by deep depressions. The Craftsman Quarters, found in the north-western part of the site. The Monumental Area, located east of the Craftsman Quarters with several high hills representing different architectural buildings. The Graveyard Area, also called the Cemetery of Shahr-e Sukhteh, which occupies the southwestern part of the site.
The Decline of the city
The reasons behind the unexpected decline of Shahr-e Sukhteh remain unclear, although modern archaeological research indicates that environmental factors contributed to the city’s decline. Climate change and a reduction in water resources likely caused a decrease in agricultural productivity and livestock, eventually leading to the migration of the population.
Conclusion
In summary, Shahr-e Sukhteh stands as a testament to the ingenuity and cultural sophistication of early Iranian civilization. Its groundbreaking discoveries reveal a society that was remarkably advanced for its time, demonstrating achievements in medicine, urban planning, craftsmanship, and artistic expression. As ongoing research continues to unveil new insights, Shahr-e Sukhteh remains a vital source of understanding human history, offering a glimpse into the intellectual and technological capabilities of ancient societies.