Ancient Persia

Simple pit graves are the most common burials in Shahr-e Sukhteh, revealing how ordinary people were laid to rest with pottery, tools, beads, and symbolic offerings. Bodies were placed in a flexed position and oriented according to the sun’s position at the moment of burial—a unique ritual in the Bronze Age. These simple graves offer invaluable insight into daily life, beliefs, and afterlife traditions in the Burnt City.

Hidden beneath the desert sands of southeastern Iran lies Shahr-e Sukhteh, a city without kings, weapons, or war, yet filled with art, science, and innovation. From the world’s first artificial eye to a 5,000-year-old board game, every discovery reveals a civilization far ahead of its time, peaceful, intelligent, and quietly extraordinary.

The archaeology of Shahr-e Sukhteh reveals the story of a forgotten civilization reborn through discovery. From Aurel Stein’s first sighting of the Burnt City to decades of Iranian excavations, archaeologists have uncovered layers of fire, art, and resilience buried beneath the desert. Each discovery brings us closer to understanding one of the most remarkable cities of the ancient world.

Over 5,200 years ago, Shahr-e Sukhteh, the Burnt City of eastern Iran, thrived as a hub of innovation, trade, and culture. From pioneering early brain surgery to creating intricate artifacts, its people shaped a civilization ahead of its time. Explore the city’s geography, mysteries, and remarkable discoveries, a journey into one of the ancient world’s most fascinating settlements.