Discovering 5,000-Year-Old Trade and Administration Systems in Iran!

Archaeologists in Iran have recently uncovered over 4,000 ancient clay seals, some dating back as far as 5,000 years. This remarkable find was made at Tappeh Teleneh, a significant archaeological site in the Kuzaran district of Kermanshah province in western Iran. Since its identification in 1998, the site has attracted much attention from researchers due to its historical importance in ancient economic and cultural exchange networks.

An Unprecedented Discovery

The discovery of the clay seals marks a major breakthrough in our understanding of ancient trade and administrative practices. According to Dariush Farmani, the provincial tourism chief, these seals provide strong evidence of organised trade systems that existed around 5,000 years ago. They shed light on how goods and commerce were managed, suggesting that Tappeh Teleneh was a vital hub for early administrative management.

Among the thousands of artefacts uncovered, the majority appear to have been used to secure warehouse doors, a practice that illustrates the early use of seals for security purposes. The haul includes 447 clay locks, 2,970 vessel seals, 124 sack seals, and 436 tongue-shaped pieces, all of which feature around 85 distinct seal impressions. These seals likely played a role in regulating the trade and economic activities of the region, which extended from the central Zagros Mountains to Mesopotamia.

Photo Credit: ISNA

The Beginnings of a Numerical System?

In addition to the clay seals, archaeologists also discovered a set of counting objects. These may represent an early numerical system used to track inventory and manage trade, which could be an early precursor to written language. These findings hint that Tappeh Teleneh wasn’t just a commercial centre but also a key administrative site where some of the earliest forms of economic organisation were developed.

The style and craftsmanship of the seals suggest that the inhabitants of Tappeh Teleneh were engaged in trade and interactions with regions far beyond their immediate area. This reinforces the idea that the site was part of a broader network of trade and political administration, especially during the early Elamite period, which spanned from the 5th to the 3rd millennium BC. Studies of the seal impressions and pottery fragments found at the site further support the notion of cultural links between Tappeh Teleneh and other regions in ancient Iran and Mesopotamia.

Excavations at Tappeh Teleneh began in 2020 under the leadership of archaeologist Shokoh Khosravi. Her team unearthed not only these seals but also pottery fragments and clay animal figurines. This collection has inspired further research into the region’s historical connections with other parts of the ancient world, and more excavations are planned to deepen our understanding of this key site.

The Historical Significance of Kermanshah

Kermanshah, the region where Tappeh Teleneh is located, has a deep historical significance dating back to the 4th century AD. Founded by Bahram IV of the Sasanian dynasty, the city has seen its share of major historical events. It was fortified during the Safavid era and endured attacks in the Qajar period. Now, with the discovery of these ancient seals, Kermanshah's importance in the context of early trade and administration is even more evident.

This incredible discovery at Tappeh Teleneh not only enriches our understanding of ancient Iran’s role in early trade networks but also offers a glimpse into the early systems of administration and governance that shaped the ancient world. As further excavations continue, there is no doubt that even more insights will emerge about this fascinating period in history.