Archaeological Excavation at Taj Amir Cemetery, Yasouj

Taj Amir Cemetery is located in southern side of Dena Mountain and east of Yasouj city in Kohgiluyeh and Boyerahmad Province. The cemetery was discovered in 2009 during the construction of Yasuj medical university. About 7 hectares of cemetery were destroyed and only 3 hectares remained intact. During an excavation project 16 graves were explored in the north of cemetery and geophysical survey to distinguish the extent of graveyards carried out in an about 2 ha. The most important structural features of the graves include, using rabble stone inside the chamber, placing a large stone in the southern parts of the graves as a symbol as well as constructing an entrance to the burial chamber. Pottery, bronze and stone objects were placed near the body might be functioned as burial gifts. According to archaeological evidence it seems probable that Taj Amir Cemetery may be related to the nomadic populations of about 2000 B.C. The present report summarizes the findings during the 1st season of excavation carried out in this cemetery.