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Iran

Darai Rockshelter

Middle Paleolithic rock shelter with deposits

Time Periods

Paleolithic

Paleolithic

Mesolithic

Mesolithic

Neolithic

Neolithic

Chalcolithic

Chalcolithic

Bronze Age

Bronze Age

Iron Age

Iron Age

Classical Period

Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Early Modern Period

Early Modern Period

Industrial Period

Industrial Period

Contemporary Period

Contemporary Period

Location

About

Darai Rockshelter, located in the Sirwan River valley of Kurdistan Province, Iran, is a significant Middle Paleolithic archaeological site. Discovered during the Darian Dam Archaeological Salvage Program in 2015 and excavated shortly thereafter, the site provided a wealth of information on Neanderthal habitation in the region. The deposits, approximately 2.30 meters thick, revealed two main cultural layers rich in fireplaces, faunal remains, and lithic assemblages. The lithic artifacts, predominantly produced through the Levallois and discoid methods, align with the Zagros Mousterian tradition. The faunal remains, mainly from goats and sheep, show evidence of anthropogenic activity. The site's archaeological significance lies in its contribution to understanding Middle Paleolithic habitation patterns and tool-making techniques in the Zagros region.

Gallery

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Archaeological Features

Explore the unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

Environmental and Natural Features

Rock Shelters

Food Production and Processing Features

Hearths

Historical Timeline

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Plan Your Visit

Details

Country
Iran
Source
Wikipedia