Cheshmeh-Ali

Cheshmeh-Ali is an archaeological site with a natural spring at the base of a hill in Ray County. The area displays remains of ancient settlements and excavation zones where pottery, tools, and other artifacts from early Iranian cultures have been uncovered.

This location shows evidence of human settlement spanning thousands of years, with findings dating back around 7,000 years. The layered remains and artifacts document the development of early cultures in this Iranian region and reveal how societies changed over very long periods.

The pottery found here displays bold black geometric patterns and animal shapes that reveal the artistic skill of people living thousands of years ago. Walking through the site, you can see how these craftspeople expressed their creativity in everyday objects they made and used.

The site remains partly open to visitors, though many artifacts are now held in museums including the University of Pennsylvania Museum. Allow time to explore the grounds carefully, and wear sturdy shoes since the terrain is uneven with exposed excavation layers.

This place sits on an important trade route that stretched across thousands of years and served as a foundation for later connections like the Silk Road. Early trade goods and contacts between distant regions left traces in the objects found here.

Location: Ray County

GPS coordinates: 35.61028,51.44972

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:05