Unearthed inscriptions in Jiroft (Iran) may prove that the civilization of the region had influenced Sumerian civilization. Yusef Majidzadeh, head of the International Archaeological Study Center, said that following the second stage of archaeological studies in Halilrud region of Jiroft, Kerman Province, 25 mud seals were discovered. "An inscription written on one of the seals is datable to 4000 years ago. The 2x3cm seal is made of mud, which was unearthed in layers on top of the hill in the region. The inscription is unique and proves the fact that the civilization of the Halirud region in eastern Iran was the originator of the script," added Majidzadeh.
     The discovered relics in the region are 150 years older than those in Sumer which was believed to be founder of civilization, he said, adding, "No proof showing the influence of Ilam and Mesopotamia are seen in the Jiroft region, while most of the stone-made tools and the earthenware of the region had been taken to Mesopotamia, Khuzestan, Saudi Arabia and Syria which proves the influence of the region on these areas," he continued.
     Discovering huge brick platforms in Kenarsandal hills were also among the new discoveries. Platform A is made of sun-dried bricks with a length of 400m and height of 7m, and Platform B is 250m long and 10m high. These kinds of platforms, called ziggurat in Mesopotamia and Ilam, were built in stair-shaped form, with the upper platforms being smaller than the lower ones.
     The ziggurat discovered in Jiroft is the largest in the east. Over 29 ziggurats are in Mesopotamia and the Chogha Zanbil Ziggurat in Khuzestan. The earthenware unearthed in Halirud belongs to 2300 BCE, while the ones in Mesopotamia date back to 2100 to 2250 BCE.

Source: Mehr News Agency (25 Fenruary 2004)