The Natural Mummies of Zanjan Salt Mine and Preventive Conservation Approach for their Preservation

Some archeological studies in order to identify and introduce the natural mummies so-called Salt men discovered in the Chehrabad salt mine in Zanjan in western Iran and how to preserve them before 2010 are the contents of this article. These artifacts were first discovered accidentally in 1993 and 2004, and then by conducting archeological excavations. Methods used in these studies include: carbon 14 dating, radiographic imaging and CT scan, DNA molecular studies, 13C and 15N isotope analysis, trace element analysis by ICP method. The results of studies showed that these bodies with different ages belong to the Achaemenid and Sassanid periods, which were buried there as a result of mine collapse in the above historical periods. In addition, the study of the salt men decay process showed that relative humidity and its fluctuations are one of the most important environmental variables affecting this process and the threat to these properties. Periodic inspections and monitoring and biological tests (fungal and bacterial tests) showed that the method of preventive conservation has been the best and most effective method to preserve them.