Tuesday, 8th May 2007 (3684 views)

Archaeologists in Iran are searching for an ancient king who possessed five "rings of power" after discovering the golden treasures by chance last week.

A grading operation by Khuzestan Water and Waste Water Company in the Khuzestan province uncovered the five rings in two u-shaped coffins, along with around 500 other valuable objects.

Although sounding like something straight out of JRR Tolkien novel, gold rings at the time were a sign of wealth and power, generally worn by kings and royalty.

Experts claim the rings are similar to those owned by Elamite king Kidin-Khutran who lived from 1235 to 1210 BC, although more work on the items is needed.

"More precise archaeological techniques are required to date these items of treasure," Abdorreza Peymani, an archaeologist of the Khuzestan cultural heritage, tourism and handicrafts department, told the Persian news service CHN.

He added that the discovery raised many questions about the rings and other artefacts, which included two golden bracelets and a short golden cane, and who owned them.

"The discovery has raised much speculation," Mr Peymani said.

"To whom did these items belong? Did the rings belong to a single person, and if so, why did he have five? Why are Mesopotamian items being discovered in Iran?"

Archaeologists are expected to continue searching the area to obtain more clues about the treasures.

 

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