An archaeologist of Zabol University in the southeastern Iranian province of Sistan-Baluchistan said the inhabitants of the Burnt City in ancient times had made ornaments to earn their living. "Inhabitants of the ancient site brought ornamental stones and materials from northeastern province of Badakhshan in Afghanistan to make ornaments," noted Hamidreza Amiri.
     57km away from Zabol, the Burnt City covers an area of 150 hectares and used to be one of the largest cities at the start of city life in the Middle East. It was built in 3200 BCE and ruined in 2100 BCE. The city had encountered four stages of civilization and was burnt 3 times. Since it was burnt down last time, it is known as the Burnt City.
     Over thousands of relics have been unearthed in the Burnt City during seven exploration phases. "Only a few ancient weapons have been unearthed in the city. So archaeologists believe the inhabitants have been a pacific people," Amiri said. Archaeologists found the skull of a man in the cemetery of the city on which a surgical operation has been made. It is believed to be the first brain surgery in history.

Source: Mehrnews.com (12 March 2004)