An underground city and aqueduct was recently found in the ancient town of Abarkuh in Yazd Province, Iran. The Deputy of Cultural Heritage at the Yazd Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Department, Mohammad-Reza Falahati, announced the find, as reported by Arkeonews. Research and excavations are currently ongoing, unveiling a network of interconnected chambers and tunnels.
Abarkuh governor Hossein Hatami noted that approximately 60,000 square meters of the total 170,000 square meters of the town's historical structures are covered by these underground channels. Hatami described how the ancestors of Abarkuh turned spaces between rocky foundations into gardens, according to Iranian news site Asriran.
The underground city reveals how the early inhabitants of Abarkuh transformed rocky terrains into a complex labyrinth of chambers and passageways. The discovery provides insights into their construction techniques and daily life practices.
Historical homes in Abarkuh feature staircases that descend directly into tunnels, allowing residents to access water from qanats—traditional underground water systems renowned for their efficiency. As reported by Enikos, this design not only facilitated water management but also cooled the subterranean spaces, creating an oasis-like refuge during the scorching summer months.
The discovery of a stone aqueduct underscores the engineering utilized by Abarkuh's ancient inhabitants. According to Arkeonews, the aqueduct played a critical role in managing the town's water supply. The stones used in constructing the aqueduct are similar to those found in residences of the Qajar Dynasty, emphasizing the continuity of architectural practices over the centuries.
Archaeologists speculate that over time, larger chambers with alcoves were added to the underground network, likely serving as rest areas or even summer residences for the town's inhabitants. Some chambers, initially thought to be storage spaces, are now believed to have been part of a larger complex, possibly serving as hideouts during times of war or foreign invasions.
Ongoing research suggests that there may be more underground structures yet to be uncovered.
The underground city presents challenges for archaeologists and tourism planners. Recent constructions have directed wastewater into the underground pathways, hindering excavation and preservation efforts.
Situated within the "golden triangle" formed by Shiraz, Yazd, and Isfahan, Abarkuh is known for its historical sites, including an iconic 4,000-year-old cypress tree.
This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq