Discovery of the remains of an old construction in Abu-Fondova historical hill (Iran) led to the discovery of a family tomb dating back to the New Elamite period (around 750 BCE). The discovery was made by a team of archeologists from the Archeology Research Center of Iran’s Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization.
     "Remains of the brick ceiling of a tomb belonging to the New Elamite Period were discovered in northern parts of Abu-Fondova historical hill. There are also remains of some graves in this tomb which have been destroyed over time," said Leili Niakan, head of the archeological team in Abu-Fondova. The bricks used in the construction of the ceiling are 31x32x5 centimeters and the current height of the remaining ceiling is 80 centimeters. The tomb itself is 1.13 meters in width and 2.26 meters in height. According to Niakan, six human skulls have been unearthed from the tomb. "The skeletons were scattered. This tomb dates back to some 2700 years ago."
     The discovered fragmented bones and skulls have been transferred to Haft Tepe Museum. Archeological excavations in Abu-Fondova historical site in Susian Plain, southwestern Iran, started last week by a joint team of archeologists from Iran’s cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization and the Oriental Institute of University of Chicago under the supervision of Leili Niakan and Abbas Alizadeh. Abu-Fondova historical hill is located on the western part of Susian Plain, 11 kilometers south of the city of Susa. It was one of the most prominent residential settlements in Susian Plain in the fifth millennium BC.

Source: IranMania (23 October 2006)