The first achievements of the Jiroft Paleolithic study, which was carried out to complete the archeological map of the country, indicate the existence of Middle Paleolithic and probably Old Paleolithic settlements in the Halil River basin.
According to ISNA, this study is the first fully specialized Paleolithic study to identify Paleolithic sites in southeastern Iran, which is about 50 years after the first studies conducted in this area of Iran such as the Halil River.
According to the archaeologist, the first achievements of this study are the identification of some technologies like two-dimensional industries and instrument blades in the identified areas. The northern highlands and western foothills of Jiroft and indicate the existence of Middle Paleolithic and probably Old Paleolithic settlements in the Halil River basin.
Unfortunately, due to mining activities, almost most of the limestone and travertine heights that have caves and rock shelters are being destroyed, said the head of the archaeology board. He noted that the collection of identified artifacts is the result of 10 days of fieldwork in Halil River.
The head of the archeological delegation of this region added: “One of the deepest and most unique caves from which stone tools were obtained in this study is Shoaib cave in the western foothills of Jiroft. It has been destroyed and completely blocked due to mining activities.
He added: Due to the joints in the roof of the cave and the infiltration of rainwater, most of the sediments and deposits on the floor of the cave have been washed.
The archaeologist said: In southeastern Iran, due to different orogenic activities than the Zagros and northern Iran, we see less suitable substrates for the karst system and the formation of caves and rock shelters, and therefore, the destruction of such caves. Irreparable damage has introduced cultural heritage and Paleolithic studies of the Halil River of Jiroft.