Jiroft, Kerman prov, Jan 30, IRNA -- A brick tablet unearthed in the vicinity of Jiroft proves that the civilization of the area along Halilroud river near the city of Jiroft dates back to he first half of the third millennium BC.

An archaeologist from the US University of Pennsylvania, Professor Holly Pittman, told IRNA here Monday that the issue had been declared at the area by the Iranian archaeologist and head of archaeological delegation, Professor Yousef Majidzadeh, last year.

Pittman added that the tablet had been unearthed in the process of this year's excavations at Halilroud historical site on January 27.

According to Professor Majidzadeh, the manuscripts on the brick tablet have been identified to belong to the Ilamid era.

"The most distinguished Ilamid script dating back to the second half of the third millennium BC has been discovered in Susa.

"The most ancient type of it known as preliminary Ilamid script has been produced about 3,000 years BC," he added.

Majidzadeh noted that samples of the specified script have already been unearthed in excavations conducted at Susa, Tal-e Milan, Siyalk, Ozbaki, Hessar, Yahya and Shahr-e Soukhte (Burnt City) near the city of Zabol in Khuzestan province.

He said that some information on the origin of Ilamid script will possibly be found in the area in latest stages of the excavations.

"Industrial stones, in particular decorative beads and small-scale stones discovered in the area such as marble and jasper have also been discovered at the area," he added.

Both professors along with other members of the archaeological group from University of Pennsylvania believe that the discovery of the brick tablet and evidence of trade exchange of the locally extracted stones and metals with foreign dealers indicated that the ancient monarchy enjoying a glorious art and civilization, known as 'Earth' ruled over Halilroud historical site.

The third phase of archaeological excavations at the vicinity of northern and southern Kenar Sandal area was launched under the supervision of Professor Majidzadeh.

The project is being conducted jointly by an Iranian and international archaeological team comprising 13 archaeologists and 15 Iranian experts.

Some 150 workers are currently involved in excavation process in the area which will continue for one month. Halilroud civilization site spreads 400 km along the river to the same name.

... Payvand News - 1/31/05 ... --