Remarkable discovery at Chehrabad salt mine: Mysterious body and strange artifacts discovered

The saltmen are a group of natural mummies that were discovered in the Chehrabad Salt Mine in Iran. This mine is in the Zanjan Province and located about 340 km (211.27 miles) northwest of Tehran. The men are believed to have died in the salt mine and been naturally preserved by the salt. A total of six saltmen have been discovered over the years and they belong to different eras, including the Achaemenid and Sasanian periods.

In 1994, commercial salt mining operations were being carried out in the Chehrabad Salt Mine when the first saltman was discovered. Along with his mummified remains, several artifacts, including iron knives and a gold earring, were also uncovered.

This saltman is easily recognized due to his long white hair and beard. His head is currently on display in a glass case in the National Museum of Iran (in Tehran). It has been estimated that the man lived around 1700 years ago, during the time of the Sasanian Empire, and died sometime between the ages of 35 and 40.

image

Head of Saltman 1 on display at National Museum of Iran in Tehran. (Public Domain)

Studying the Saltmen

In the following years more saltmen were discovered. In 2004, another saltman was found by miners, and an emergency excavation campaign was undertaken. Saltmen were also discovered in 2005, and the most recent mummy was uncovered in 2007. It is believed that the men lost their lives in the mine as a result of mining accidents. Whilst the first saltman is being kept in the National Museum of Iran, the subsequent four were brought to the Zanjan Archaeology Museum. The sixth saltman has been left in-situ.

The discovery of the saltmen has allowed archaeologists to get a glimpse into the lives of these ancient salt miners, and much scientific research has been conducted on the mummies, as well as the mine itself, since they were discovered more than two decades ago. Areas in which such research is being performed include archaeobotany, archaeozoology, isotope analysis, mining archaeology and physical anthropology.

These studies have been helped archaeologists to gain a better understanding of ancient mining practices. For example, by examining the various artifacts and ecofacts in their stratigraphic layers, three different mining phases, namely Achaemenid, Sasanian, and Islamic, have been distinguished.

image

Remains of Saltman 3, one of the Saltmen found in 2004, on display in Zanjan. (Mardetanha/CC BY SA 3.0)

Further research has shown that mining practices were organized differently during these periods. It was found, for instance, that during the Sasanian period, mining was established in the surrounding area, and that, based on isotopic data, supply was organized on a regional basis. By comparison, during the Achaemenid period, it seems that there were foreign miners working in the salt mine, and that the mine was accessed from areas further away, i.e. the miners did not settle within the vicinity of their workplace.

Such studies have also helped revise certain accepted facts about the saltmen. For instance, it is generally reported that six saltmen have been discovered so far. However, anatomical analysis of the mummies has revealed that some body parts, which were initially thought to have belonged to a single individual, were in fact from different bodies. Thus, it has been suggested that the number of saltmen should actually be counted as eight, or even more.

image

Left shoe and lower leg of Saltman 1 on display at Iran Bastan Museum. (Davide Mauro/CC BY SA 4.0)

Saving the Saltmen

Whilst much scientific study on the saltmen and the salt mine has been carried out, there is a lack of conservation and preservation of the mummified remains. In a report from 2009, it was mentioned that the mummies were being displayed in Plexiglas cases that were not hermetically sealed. As a result of changes in air temperature and pressure, cracks have appeared in the cases. This, in turn, allowed bacteria and insects to enter them, causing damage to the mummies.

Nevertheless, measures are reported to have been taken to ensure that the saltmen do not undergo further deterioration. In the same report, it was said that plans for making permanent cases for the saltmen have been completed, and the necessary funds for the construction of the encasings should be found.

image

Remains of Saltman 2 on display in Zanjan. One of the Saltmen found in 2004. (Mardetanha/CC BY SA 3.0)

Related Posts

Un informe revela que 5.500 millones de animales salvajes viven en condiciones de cautiverio extremas en todo el mundo, lo que genera alarmantes temores de una pandemia

Los expertos estiman que más de 5.500 millones de animales se mantienen en condiciones crueles Las granjas de tigres y elefantes se sostienen gracias a la demanda de animales salvajes por parte de los turistas Por Wiliam Hunter Publicado: 09:05 GMT, 3 de marzo de 2024 | Actualizado: 08:54 GMT, 4 de marzo de 2024 Ya sea …

Read more

The Secret of Human Cooperation and Adultery in 1868…!

Historical Context The year 1868 was a time of transformation across the globe. In the United States, the aftermath of the Civil War was shaping a new societal landscape, while in Europe, rapid industrialization and the rise of modern ideologies …

Read more

Lionel Messi Enjoys Family Time in Palm Beach: Spotted Grocery Shopping with Antonela Roccuzzo and Kids After Joining Inter Miami

By Sean O’grady For Mailonline Published: 10:26 GMT, 14 July 2023 | Updated: 10:38 GMT, 14 July 2023 He is in the middle of finalising paperwork ahead of his move to Miami. And Lionel Messi was settling into life in the new city as he went grocery shopping …

Read more

Meet Antonela Roccuzzo: The Childhood Sweetheart Who Captured Lionel Messi’s Heart and Built a Billion-Dollar Brand Alongside Him

It was love at first sight for Antonela Roccuzzo and Lionel Messi   She is now mother to three of his children and the brains behind his legacy  She is a philanthropist, influencer and children’s fashion label owner Roccuzzo did sacrifice her career as …

Read more

Messi Makes Surprise Appearance at Diddy’s Party—What’s the Connection?

Why the Diddy Party Was Once the Most Coveted Invite Years before accusations cast his lavishly produced parties in a criminal light, the Diddy bash was a cultural phenomenon, packed with stars from Anna Wintour to Trump and other eager “A-listers …

Read more

Desenterrado el antiguo guardián del Nilo: comienza el viaje mágico de una momia cocodrilo de 2.500 años de antigüedad

En un hallazgo arqueológico notable, una momia de cocodrilo de 2.500 años de antigüedad fue encontrada dentro de un antiguo tumba egipcia. El descubrimiento, a la vez intrigante e inspirador, arroja luz sobre los intrincados feudos y prácticas de …

Read more

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *