Jiroft: The Mysterious Rival of Mesopotamia and the Dawn of an Ancient Civilization

Arkeonews ^ | 24 March 2025 | Leman Altuntas

[SunkenCiv]

Archaeologist Youssof Majidzadeh proposed in 2003 that the civilization discovered in Jiroft could be the legendary Aratta, mentioned in Sumerian poetry for its wealth. However, this theory lacked solid historical evidence and faced criticism from the academic community. Other experts suggested that, due to references in Mesopotamian texts about conflicts with a powerful Iranian state, this kingdom might be the Marhashi Kingdom.

The analysis of the iconography from Jiroft revealed striking similarities with Mesopotamian traditions, hinting at a possible cultural connection. Depictions of mythological creatures like bulls and eagles evoked Sumerian myths, such as the shepherd king Etana. Speculations also arose regarding the presence of motifs related to a universal flood in some representations...

One of the most fascinating aspects of Jiroft's artistic production is the architectural motifs found on various artifacts. Cylindrical bowls feature images of regular facades with pilasters forming tall plinths, while chambers adorned with doors and windows are topped with flexed architraves, suggesting a complex understanding of structural design. Notably, many of these bowls depict ziggurat-like structures with three or four gradually receding stories, reflecting the concept of the classical Mesopotamian ziggurat...

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Jiroft Civilization is its proto-Elamitic writing system, which dates back to the IV millennium BC. Tablets discovered at various sites, including Tepe Sialk and Tepe Yahya, suggest that the Iranian plateau may have been a center for early literacy. The ongoing study of these inscriptions aims to unlock the secrets of this ancient writing, further illuminating the region's historical significance.

[SunkenCiv]

• Red lipstick dating back 3,600 years was discovered in Iran -the oldest ever found- [02/17/2024]
• Breakthrough in world's oldest undeciphered writing [10/22/2012]
• Jiroft Is Ancient City Of Marhashi: US Scholar [05/08/2008]
• Archaeologists Have Discovered The World's Oldest Inscription In Jiroft [11/05/2007]
• Iran loses fight over "Lost Paradise" relics [03/31/2007]
• Jiroft Is Lost Link Of Chain Of Civilization: Majidzadeh [01/13/2007]
• Shrouded 5000-Year-Old Child Unearthed In Southeastern Iran [12/19/2006]
• Ancient rock tombs discovered at Jiroft [11/14/2006]
• Ancient Metal Relics Discovered In Jiroft [07/20/2006]
• (Iranian) MP: Village with cavemen discovered at Jiroft heights [05/26/2006]
• New Discoveries in Jiroft May Change History of Civilization [01/26/2006]
• "Jiroft Inscription", Oldest Evidence of Written Language [01/13/2006]
• New Studies Show Jiroft Was An International Trade Center 5,000 Years Ago [12/23/2004]
• Ancient Iranian Site Shows Mesopotamia-Like Civilisation [11/16/2004]
• Clashes Erupt in Mahshahr (Iran) [and other unrest] [05/06/2004]

[SunkenCiv]

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Cover Image Credit: Jiroft vase, 2800-2300 BC. Wikipedia

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"Handbag" looking artifact with decorative motifs excavated from Jiroft. The artifact may have been a weight standard for measurements.

Source: Iran Atlas

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Jiroft culture inscriptions

Arkeonews

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A bowl made of chlorite from Halil Rud with the image of a divinity: the mythical being, half-human and half-scorpion, had a protective function. Besides the relief motifs, the decoration consisted of encrustations of hard stone, shells or coral. Diameter 4.7 in. (12 cm), height 2.7 in.(7 cm), 3rd millenium BC

Musée Barbier-Mueller, Geneva.

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[SunkenCiv]

[Red Badger]

They got flooded out and washed away when teh mile thick glaciers melted. IOW, Global Warming killed them all!..................................

[Openurmind]

Cool dig. Sounds plausible.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

This is the first I've heard of the Jiroft Civilization. Below is a summary from Grok to help provide background for the article. How astonishing that a new civilization could be discovered after a flood in 2001! And how sad that looters in the 21st century ruined so much of the remains.

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The Jiroft Civilization, also known as the Halilrud Culture, was a Bronze Age civilization that flourished in southeastern Iran, primarily in the Kerman and Sistan-Baluchestan provinces, from approximately 3000 to 2000 BCE. Centered in the fertile Halil River valley, it is considered one of the oldest known civilizations, potentially rivaling Mesopotamia as a cradle of human civilization. The civilization was discovered in 2001 after flooding exposed ancient tombs near the modern city of Jiroft, revealing a sophisticated urban society with significant cultural, artistic, and technological achievements.

Key Features of the Jiroft Civilization:

1. Urban Development:
   The primary site, Konar Sandal, includes two mounds (A and B) with monumental architecture. Mound A features a ziggurat-like structure, possibly one of the oldest of its kind, measuring 17 meters high and 400 meters at its base. Mound B revealed a two-story citadel covering 13.5 hectares, surrounded by a 10.5-meter-thick fortified wall, indicating advanced urban planning.

   The civilization had large settlements with craft production areas, domestic quarters, and extensive cemeteries, suggesting a complex, stratified society.

2. Writing Systems:
   Excavations uncovered baked clay tablets with two distinct scripts: one resembling Linear Elamite (used in the nearby Elamite kingdom) and another unique geometric script, yet to be fully deciphered. These findings indicate Jiroft was literate, with some claims suggesting its script predates Sumerian cuneiform and Egyptian hieroglyphs, potentially making it one of the earliest writing systems.

   The presence of over 400 seal impressions and stamp seals points to a sophisticated administrative or legal system.

3. Artistic Achievements:
   Jiroft artisans were highly skilled, producing intricate chlorite vessels, ceramics, jewelry, and sculptures adorned with semi-precious stones like lapis lazuli, calcite, and obsidian. Common motifs include mythological creatures (e.g., human-headed scorpions, double-headed eagles, bulls) and architectural facades, suggesting cultural and religious significance.

   The craftsmanship, particularly in chlorite (a soft, carveable stone), shows a naturalistic style distinct from Sumerian art, with motifs like spirals, crosses, and animal fleece reminiscent of Mesopotamian iconography, hinting at cultural exchange.

4. Trade Networks:
   Jiroft was a major trading hub, with evidence of connections to Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley Civilization, and Central Asia. Artifacts like chlorite vessels have been found as far as Syria, Uzbekistan, and Saudi Arabia, indicating extensive trade routes.

   The civilization likely exported its crafts and possibly imported luxury goods like lapis lazuli and carnelian.

5. Metallurgy:
   Jiroft blacksmiths created bronze using a copper-arsenic alloy, distinct from the copper-tin alloy common elsewhere. This unique metallurgical practice suggests advanced technological knowledge, though the handling of toxic arsenic remains a subject of study.
6. Possible Identity:
   Archaeologist Yusef Majidzadeh, who led excavations, proposed that Jiroft might be the legendary Aratta, a wealthy kingdom mentioned in Sumerian poems, based on its geographic location, abundance of semi-precious stones, and cultural sophistication. However, this theory is debated due to insufficient evidence, and some scholars suggest Jiroft could be the Marhashi Kingdom, known from Mesopotamian texts for conflicts with Akkad.

   Others argue Jiroft was an independent civilization, possibly part of a broader cultural complex with ties to the Helmand Culture in western Afghanistan or Shahr-e Sukhteh.

Discovery and Challenges:

• The civilization came to light after 2001 floods along the Halil River exposed a necropolis, initially looted by locals and antiquities traffickers. This led to significant loss of artifacts, many of which ended up in private collections or foreign museums, hampering research.
• Formal excavations began in 2003 under Majidzadeh, with international teams from Iran, Italy, France, and Germany. Despite progress, illegal excavations continue, and many artifacts lack contextual data, complicating efforts to fully understand the civilization.
• The Jiroft Archaeological Museum in Kerman houses recovered artifacts, including 5,000-year-old vessels, sculptures, and pottery, offering insight into the civilization’s richness.

Historical Significance:

• Jiroft challenges the traditional view that Mesopotamia was the sole cradle of civilization. Its urban complexity, writing, and trade networks suggest it was a major cultural center, potentially predating or paralleling Sumer.
• The civilization’s decline around 1700 BCE is attributed to possible climate change or conflicts, though the exact reasons remain unclear.
• Its discovery has prompted a reassessment of the ancient Near East’s history, highlighting the Iranian Plateau’s role in early urbanization and cultural development.

Current Status:

• Excavations continue at sites like Konar Sandal, Daghianus, and Mahtoutabad, with ongoing efforts to decipher the Jiroft script and clarify its relationship to other civilizations.
• The site’s significance is recognized globally, with Shahr-e Sukhteh, linked to Jiroft, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014.

The Jiroft Civilization remains enigmatic, with its language, political structure, and full scope still under investigation. Its discoveries underscore the complexity of ancient societies in Iran, inviting further exploration into humanity’s early history.

[SunkenCiv]

• The World's Oldest Animations Stretch All The Way Back to Cave Times [12/27/2022]
• Elamite clay tablet unearthed in mysterious Burnt City [01/02/2022]
• Archaeologists find bizarre burials in Burnt City [07/27/2014]
• Burnt City woman's face reconstructed [11/22/2010]
• Burnt City women outlived their men [06/24/2009]
• First Animation of the World Found In Burnt City [01/06/2009]
• 5000 years ago women in control of Burnt City [ women of Burnt City redux ] [08/17/2008]
• Anthropologists identify professional rider at Burnt City [01/10/2007]
• 4800-Year-Old Artificial Eyeball (Pics) [12/21/2006]
• Shrouded 5000-Year-Old Child Unearthed In Southeastern Iran [12/19/2006]
• French Archaeologists Says Ur Tomb Artifacts Came From Burnt City [12/15/2006]
• 3rd Millennium BC Artificial Eyeball Discovered in Burnt City [12/11/2006]
• Building 1 is "almost certainly" ancient Burnt City's lost temple: Sajjadi [11/12/2006]
• Turquoise-like Stones Unearthed in Burnt City, Iran [02/11/2006]
• Discovery of the First Prostrate Figure Burial in Burnt City [12/26/2005]
• Female population predominant in 5000-year-old Burnt City (Iran) [04/08/2005]
• Ancient Earrings Discovered At Burnt City Disprove Ornament Theory [03/09/2005]
• Human Sacrifice Was Common In Burnt City (Iran) [12/28/2004]
• 5,000 Years Ago, Women Held Power In Burnt City, Iran [12/24/2004]

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks RB for the other link, I found the extra graphics at this source irresistible. I’ve got the “Burnt City” keyword topics list on deck, but won’t post it to anyone, just in case.

[Openurmind]

This is timely. As I have been recapping the Urantia Books the last several days.

[BenLurkin]

Interesting

[BenLurkin]

[Red Badger]

Tower of Babel?..................

[PIF]

The Jiroft Civilization remains enigmatic, with its language, political structure, and full scope still under investigation. Its discoveries underscore the complexity of ancient societies in Iran, inviting further exploration into humanity’s early history.

—
After the worldwide cataclysm of 10,800 BC ...

[ckilmer]

Amazing. I’ve never heard of this civilization before. Their dates suggest that they may have been destroyed by the same Indo-European steppe people who destroyed the Indus River civilization.

[SunkenCiv]

They probably were them, or close relatives of them.

[gleeaikin]

Regarding your “Global Warming”/glacier flood theory. This civilization was reported as IV millennium BC, in which case these people would have been around 5 to 6,000 years ago. The glacial meltdown was long since over by perhaps another 5,000 years earlier or more. Of course you may have been joking, as the glaciers were never 10 miles thick.