A large platform and ruins of a bathhouse have been discovered during the second season of excavation, which has been in progress since early August at the Zolfabad site located three kilometers northeast of the town of Farmahin in Central (Markazi) Province, approximately 50 km north of Arak and 200 km southwest of Tehran.
Located in the heart of the historic city, the platform is over one meter in height and has a solid foundation built with lime and stone mortar, the Persian service of IRNA reported on Sunday.
Initial studies are underway to determine the structure’s usage over the past centuries.
Stairs, apodyterium (dressing area), caldarium (hot bath) and the main hall have been identified in the ruins of the bathhouse, which had been constructed using mud and clay bricks, bonded by mortar made of lime, ash and sand.
The city of Zolfabad played a key role in regional trade between Qom, Tehran and Isfahan from the 12th to the 15th century.
The city, which covered an area of 130 hectares, was gradually buried under earth after it was destroyed by a devastating earthquake during the Qajar period.
An archaeological team previously demarcated Zolfabad in the first season of studies in 2000.
MMS/YAW
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MNA