Haft Tappeh Archaeological Site: All You Need to Know
Unveiling the Mysteries of Haft Tappeh
Explore the Haft Tappeh Archaeological Site in Khuzestan, a pivotal landmark of the ancient Elamite civilization. Located near the historic city of Shush, this site comprises 14 significant mounds revealing hidden secrets of a bygone era.
Unearthed during expeditions that began in 1965, Haft Tappeh has yielded remarkable finds, including a ziggurat older than Chogha Zanbil. Today, it hosts a museum that displays an array of artifacts, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Plan your journey with SURFIRAN to dive deep into Iran’s rich cultural heritage.
Khuzestan is a treasure trove of ancient sites such as Jundi Shapur and the ziggurat of Chogha Zanbil, substantiating its rich historical importance.
Near Shush (Susa), one of Iran’s oldest cities, lies another intriguing site, the ancient area of Haft Tappeh. Previously the city of Kabnak, this site belonged to the Elamite civilization and retains many hidden secrets yet to be fully explored. Join us as we delve deeper into the wonders of Haft Tappeh.
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What is Haft Tappeh?
The ancient site of Haft Tappeh is situated in the northern part of Khuzestan Province, embedded within the fields of the Haft Tappeh Sugarcane Agro-Industry Company, approximately 15 km southeast of Susa. Flanked by the Karkheh River about 10 km to the west, the Shavour River roughly 4 km to the southwest, and the Dez River about 10 km to the northeast, Haft Tappeh is undoubtedly located in one of the most fertile regions of Khuzestan.
The site is positioned at the end of the Sadsarabad anticline, characterized by several mounds of varying sizes. Due to the prevalence of these mounds, the site is colloquially known as Haft Tappeh, meaning ‘seven mounds’ in Persian. Although named for seven mounds, the site actually comprises approximately 14 mounds.
Archaeological studies and excavations at Haft Tappeh have illuminated previously unknown aspects of Elamite history. These activities uncovered large tombs adjacent to a substantial structure, likely connected to royal families.
The architecture at Haft Tappeh indicates that the Elamite civilization was highly developed in architectural techniques, notably in the creation of round arches.
These arches are dated two hundred years prior to those at Tchogha Zanbil and about fifteen hundred years earlier than Roman arches. Excavations at Haft Tappeh have yielded a wealth of artifacts, including seals, seal impressions, clay tablets, and stone engravings.
These findings confirm that during its heyday, the city held a significant political and economic status. Inscriptions frequently mention two names: Tepti-ahar, a lesser-known Elamite king meaning ‘king and ruler’ in the Elamite language, and the city of Kabnak. The importance of the excavations at Haft Tappeh lies in its identification as Kabnak and in highlighting the reigns of early Middle Elamite period kings, who likely governed between 1500 to 1350 BCE.
Excavation of Haft Tappeh
Haft Tappeh was initially discovered and visited by Jean-Jacques de Morgan, the then-director of a French expedition at Susa, in the late nineteenth century. Subsequently, Robert McCormick Adams from the University of Chicago further explored the site, marking it on a map as KS 98.
In the early 1960s, following the establishment of the Haft Tappeh Sugarcane Agro-Industry Company, land leveling activities commenced. During one such operation, a bulldozer accidentally struck the arch of an Elamite tomb constructed from baked brick.
Prompt action by officials led to the halting of the land leveling, and Dr. Ezatollah Negahban from the Iranian Archaeology Center was dispatched to assess the site. His visit in 1964 initiated archaeological excavations, which continued until 1979 in partnership with the University of Tehran.
These annual three-month winter excavations are noted for their role in training Iranian students and archaeologists, and for producing significant Elamite archaeological documents and finds for research purposes.
Throughout these years, approximately 150 trenches each measuring 10×10 meters were excavated, initially focusing on the northwest section where the bulldozer had first exposed parts of the ruins. Later excavations expanded to the southeast.
After interruptions due to the Islamic Revolution in 1979 and the Iran-Iraq War, excavations at Haft Tappeh were dormant until 2002 when the World Heritage Base of Tchogha Zanbil and Haft Tappeh was established.
Archaeological work resumed under Dr. Behzad Mofidi, continuing the legacy of earlier efforts. Recent excavations have included geophysical surveys using geomagnetic and geoelectric methods, conducted between 2002 and 2006 over a 26-hectare area.
These surveys aimed to clarify the extent and interconnection of architectural remains. By 2006, approximately 1100 m^3 of the site had been excavated, yielding a more detailed map of Haft Tappeh that integrates findings from both past and present studies, enhancing our understanding of the site’s architectural dispersal without extensive physical excavation.
The site’s extensive area and the wealth of findings attracted significant attention from archaeologists, making the excavations at Haft Tappeh one of the most noteworthy in the country.
Consequently, in 1973, a museum was established on-site to house the discovered artifacts, turning Haft Tappeh into a popular destination for tourists in Khuzestan.
Recent Excavations at Haft Tappeh
In 2009, a joint team of Iranian and German archaeologists led by Behzad Mofidi-Nasrabadi, in collaboration with the University of Mainz, embarked on new excavations. They unearthed a ziggurat estimated to be at least 200 years older than its counterpart at Chogha Zanbil, with an estimated height of 30 meters.
Nearby, evidence of a mass slaughter was found, with hundreds of victims buried atop each other. A workshop for making clay tablets was also discovered, highlighting the development of art and craft in the ancient Elamite empire.
Historical Significance of Haft Tappeh
Haft Tappeh, identified as the city of Kabnak, dates back to the Middle Elamite period. It was an important political center during the reign of the Kidinuid dynasty, the first ruling family of the Middle Elamite period.
Timeline of the Elamite Civilization
- Proto-Elamite period: c. 3200 BCE – c. 2700 BCE
- Old Elamite period: c. 2700 BCE – c. 1600 BCE
- Middle Elamite period: c. 1600 BCE – c. 1100 BCE
- Neo-Elamite period: c. 1100 BCE – 539 BCE (beginning of the Achaemenid Empire)
Elamite Structural Periods in Haft Tappeh
As a result of archaeological studies, four Elamite structural periods can be identified in Haft Tappeh. After a lengthy hiatus, this city was re-inhabited during the Parthian and Sassanian periods but never regained its former significance.
| Period Description | Name | Time Range |
|---|---|---|
| First Elamite Structural Period | Sukkal-mah | 17th and 16th centuries BCE |
| Second Elamite Structural Period | First Middle Elamite Phase | 15th century BCE |
| Third Elamite Structural Period | First Middle Elamite Phase | Late 15th to early 14th centuries BCE |
| Fourth Elamite Structural Period | First Middle Elamite Phase | 14th century BCE |
Haft Tappeh Museum
Visitors can explore a wide range of artifacts at the Haft Tappeh Museum:
- Cuneiform clay tablets and inscriptions in Akkadian script
- Stone and clay seals depicting religious scenes
- Plain and decorated pottery in various shapes and colors
- Ornamental items made from semi-precious stones and natural bitumen
- Geometric mosaics crafted from lapis lazuli, bone, and shell
- Elamite terracotta statues and metal figures of animals and humans
- Stone weapons and tools, and various sizes of clay coffins
The museum also features facilities like a laboratory, a library, a pottery restoration workshop, and a photography lab.
Discoveries Near Haft Tappeh Archaeological Site
The Haft Tappeh Archaeological Site, nestled in the ancient region of Elam near Susa, is a treasure trove of history dating back to the Elamite civilization. While exploring this significant site, visitors can also enjoy a range of nearby attractions that highlight the area’s rich historical and cultural heritage.
The Susa Archaeological Site
Just a short distance from Haft Tappeh, the ancient city of Susa provides an in-depth look into the region’s history. As one of the oldest settlements in the world, Susa’s ruins include palaces, temples, and residential areas that chronicle the rise and fall of multiple civilizations.
The Tomb of Daniel
Close to Haft Tappeh, the Tomb of Daniel in Susa is a site of great religious importance that attracts visitors from various faith backgrounds. The tomb is said to house the remains of the biblical prophet Daniel, making it a significant pilgrimage site.
Chogha Zanbil
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Chogha Zanbil is one of the few extant ziggurats outside of Mesopotamia. Located within driving distance from Haft Tappeh, this ancient Elamite complex offers a unique glimpse into the religious life of the Elamites with its grandiose temple and ziggurat.
The Shush Castle
Built with bricks from the ancient city of Susa, Shush Castle mimics French medieval castles and now serves as a museum showcasing artifacts from the area. This site provides a historical narrative that complements the findings at Haft Tappeh.
The Museum of Susa
To further enrich your visit, the Museum of Susa offers a well-curated collection of artifacts recovered from both Susa and Haft Tappeh. This museum helps visitors connect the archaeological discoveries to the broader history of the region.
Visiting Haft Tappeh
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Haft Tappeh is open to the public, with visiting hours from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. As we explore these historical treasures, it is crucial to preserve and protect them from damage.
For more detailed guides and to explore other exciting destinations in Iran, visit SURFIRAN’s Travel Guides. Discover more about Khuzestan and its historical wonders by planning your visit with SURFIRAN.
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