Heavy Flood Uncovers Medieval Cemetery in Iran (PHOTOS)

Seasonal flooding and the erosion of the riverbed of a local river, caused by recent heavy rains, revealed an old cemetery in the vicinity of a holy shrine in Jouyom, a town in Larestan County in Fars Province, Iranian Students News Agency reported. The information was confirmed by Khoshayar Shibani, the head of the local office of Iran's Cultural Heritage, Handcrafts and Tourism at a press conference.

​"Apparently, the graveyard dates back to the 7^th century of the lunar calendar (13^th — 14^th century AD)," Shibani told reporters. He also added that local inhabitants had only accepted Islam in the 9^th century AD, so most of the historical monuments found near Jouyom reflect the cultural heritage of Islam.

The cultural heritage official denied rumors about the discovery of an ancient city. "Larestan's Office of Cultural Heritage, Handcrafts and Tourism Organization has been informed only about the discovery of the cemetery," he continued.

​According to Shibani, all artifacts were promptly collected by local authorities and transferred to a special repository. The area where the tablets were found is cordoned off and guarded by the police. Immediately after the water level descends, archaeologists will begin studies and excavations in the area.