Archaeologists working at the historic site of Shahr Yeri in Ardebil Province, Iran, have made a remarkable discovery. Over 500 stone steles featuring faceless depictions of men and women have recently been unearthed, shedding light on a temple that dates back to the Iron Age. The enigmatic nature of these steles, arranged in a wall-like formation, has captivated experts and provided valuable insights into the ancient inhabitants’ religious practices and cultural beliefs. This article delves into the significance of this extraordinary find and explores the mysteries surrounding the temple of Shahr Yeri.
The Ancient Temple and Its Unique Characteristics
The temple at Shahr Yeri, situated near Pirazmeyan village, stands as a testament to the region’s rich historical past. Archaeologist Alireza Hojabri Nuri reveals that the stone steles discovered at the site possess distinctive qualities. Beneath these faceless figures lie remnants of earthenware and rare stones, indicating that the temple once served as a sacred place of worship and offerings. Though the temple’s ceiling remains elusive, its stone floor suggests its former grandeur.
The varying heights of the steles, ranging from 35 centimeters to 230 centimeters, hint at the significance and hierarchy within the temple. It is believed that the temple held great importance before the invasion of the Urartians, an ancient civilization known for challenging the religious beliefs of the regions they conquered. However, with the Urartian invasion, the temple gradually lost its prominence, leaving behind a legacy steeped in mystery.
Unraveling the Identity and Rituals
The identity of the faceless figures depicted on the stone steles continues to perplex researchers. Among the three regional groups found in mainland France, only the Languedoc group displays connections to settlement sites or burial monuments. The others, particularly the Rouergue group, are located in remote upland areas, far removed from contemporary settlements. This has led experts to speculate that these figures may represent deities.
While some statue-menhirs are identified as female through the presence of breasts, others are considered male due to the depiction of weapons. However, it is possible that these weapons also had significance for women during that era. A striking feature shared by all these stone figures is the absence of a mouth, suggesting a profound ritual or belief associated with the monuments.
Insights from the Past
The South French and Alpine statue-menhirs, similar to those found at Shahr Yeri, have been dated to the late Neolithic and Chalcolithic Periods, around 3500-2500 B.C. The objects depicted on these stones, along with the discovery of sealed archaeological contexts containing statue-menhirs at sites like Euzet, Gravas, and Montferrand, provide evidence for their ancient origins. These statues were created during a time when prehistoric farming villages thrived in the surrounding areas.
The recent discovery of the stone steles at Shahr Yeri has opened a window into the ancient world, offering valuable insights into the religious practices and cultural beliefs of the region’s early inhabitants. The faceless figures adorning the steles, the remnants of earthenware and rare stones, and the temple’s architectural features all contribute to the enigmatic allure of this archaeological site.
While the identity of these stone figures remains elusive, their significance as objects of worship or reverence cannot be denied. As researchers continue to unravel the mysteries of Shahr Yeri, the “City of the Mouthless” serves as a testament to the complexity and diversity of ancient civilizations. Through their discoveries, archaeologists pave the way for a deeper understanding of our shared human history.
