Neishabour, Khorassan prov, Dec 25, IRNA -- An archaic site dating back to the prehistoric era has been unearthed in the suburb of the city of Neishabour by a number of experts from Iran's Cultural Heritage Organization (ICHO), it was reported here on Wednesday.

An ICHO official, Mohammad Ismail Etemadi told IRNA that the site, located about 20 kms to the east of Neishabour amid a green fertile plain, measures four hectares.

"According to studies, it is one of the most valuable sites of the pre-iron age era," he added.

A great number of painted earthenware have been excavated from the area which are comparable to the ones discovered at Jiton Hill in central Asia, Cheshmeh-Ali in Iran's central desert and the bronze era remnants at Tappeh Ano.

Etemadi noted that the artifacts mark the high significance of the area.

Insisting on the need for further scientific and archeological excavations at the historical area, he said, "Once the required permit is obtained from ICHO, it is further hoped that accurate scientific studies will enlighten the obscure areas of Neishabour's ancient history in the pre-Islamic and prehistorical eras."

According to the ICHO official, Neishabour, which was Iran's capital during the reign of Taherian dynasty, was so large that it consisted of 33 schools and 27 universities.

The remaining sites of the ancient city with a population of more than two million include Ahangaran, Sabzpoushan, Tarbabad hills, etc.

The number of historical sites and monuments in Neishabour so far registered exceed 1,250.

The city of Neishabour with a current population exceeding half a million is located 120 kms to the northeast of the provincial capital city of Mashhad.