Persian Gulf Island reveals Arsacid and Sassanid dynasties' sites

http://www.cais-soas.com/News/2006/March2006/03-03.htm

LONDON, (CAIS) -- Archaeological excavations in Qeshm Island in Persian
Gulf led to the discovery of 32 historical sites belonging to the
Parthian (248 BC-AD 224), Sasanid (224-652 AD), and post-Sasaniand
periods.

Existence of abundant evidence from Post-Sasanid era is indicative of
trade growth in this part over this period of time, in particular over
the Safavid Age (1501-1736 AD).

In an interview with CHN, Alireza Khosrowzadeh, archaeologist and head
of survey and identification team in Qeshm Island said, "Survey of
different islands of Persian Gulf which have been started with the goal
of identifying pre-Islamic sites led to the discovery of one Parthian
site, one Sasanid site and 30 Islamic sites."

He added, "These settlements have mostly been formed in this region
for trade and business purposes, a fact which shows that Qeshm Island
has been located in the trade route connecting the northern parts of
the Persian Gulf to its southern areas."

On the different processes of excavations in the Island, Khosrowzadeh
pointed out that various historical periods from ancient time to the
Islamic era, different kinds of defensive fortification and citadels
built during the pre-Islamic era, and the special systems of water
transfer and water storage during the warm seasons will all be
investigated in this stage.

The largest island in Iran, Qeshm, is located in the Persian Gulf and
covers an area of 500 square miles (1295 sq km). Qeshm Island is a
mostly rocky and barren island with a small human population. On the
little cultivated land there is, dates and melons are grown. Qeshm
Island was once an important center of trade in the Persian Gulf region.

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