Chogha Bonut

Chogha Bonut is an archaeological site in southwestern Iran, notable for being the oldest known lowland village in the region, dating back to 7200 BCE. Located in Khuzistan Province, near Dezful and Chogha Mish, this site offers invaluable insights into early Elam civilization and the preceramic period of Iran. The site covers an area approximately 50 meters in diameter and 5 meters in height. Despite being accidentally discovered during agribusiness developments in 1976, it has been subjected to archaeological investigations, initially by Helene Kantor and later by Abbas Alizadeh. The site is significant for preserving evidence of early village life, including clay tokens indicative of early economic activities. Its archaeological importance is underscored by its rarity as a Neolithic site excavated since the Iranian Revolution.