Announcing this news, Hassan Rezvani, head of archeology team in 22-meter-height of Patapeh historic hill located behind Kalan Dam in Malayer, which would be submerged by inundation of the dam, told CHN that a unique architectural style was implemented in this Islamic fortress.

This Islamic fortress is consisted of a number of columned chambers with remains of enormous niches. The remains of channels which were used for transferring waste waters can be also seen in some parts of this Islamic fortress.

According to Rezvani, the fortress was constructed on the peak of the hill and after digging channels for transferring waste waters, the rooms were constructed in the fortress. 

“During the excavations we faced with remains of walls belonging to Parthian dynastic era (248 BC-224 AD) which were used as claddings of this Islamic fortress. That is why we give the possibility that a Parthian fortress must have existed under this Islamic fortress,” said head of excavation team to CHN.

Rezvani who based on evidence strongly believes in existence of a Parthian fortress in the area added: “In an attempt to have access to the Parthian fortress, we have to remove all layers belonging to the Islamic era.”   

Archeologists are determined to pick up their excavations in lower layers of the hill after completing their excavations in the Islamic layers of the hill.

A prehistoric site was also discovered during archeological excavations in Patapeh hill, most parts of which have been already destroyed due to its location on the basin of the river.    

Regarding the importance of archeological excavations in Patapeh hill, Rezvani explained: “At least another 5 to 6 months is needed to accomplish our salvation activities behind Kalan Dam. We do hope just like what happened until now, the authorities of the dam keep on their supporting until the end of the project.”

Located in Malayer city in Iranian Hamadan province, Patapeh historic hill with 22 meters height is the biggest hill which archeologists ever started salvation works in Iran.   

Archeologists are determined to excavate all parts of this historic hill to reach to pure soil and identify historical evidence ranging in date from 6000 years ago to Islamic period. They are also due to give a comprehensive report from their excavations to Iran’s Archeology Research Center at the end of each excavation season.