Archaeologists Unearth New Vast and Ancient Underground City

 Archaeologists in Iran have made a groundbreaking discovery, unearthing a vast underground city beneath the ancient town of Abarkuh in Yazd province. This astonishing find is reshaping historical understanding of the region, revealing an extensive subterranean settlement hidden beneath five historical houses. Initially, researchers found secret rooms beneath the homes, but further excavation uncovered a far more elaborate underground complex, complete with a sophisticated network of passageways and an impressively engineered aqueduct.

Hossein Hatami, the mayor of Abarkuh, described the discovery as a significant breakthrough. “The presence of small stone chambers in the historical houses of Abarkuh, located under the stone bed, indicates their special function in the past, and therefore, investigation and research in this regard has begun, leading to the discovery of an underground settlement,” Hatami explained. The discovery of an intricately carved underground watercourse further confirms that this was more than just a series of hidden chambers—it was a fully functioning subterranean city.

The excavation revealed an elaborate system of tunnels, which would have taken years to carve from the bedrock. These passageways likely served as living quarters, safe travel routes, and emergency hideouts. The subterranean waterway, carved from stone, suggests advanced engineering skills, as the town’s ancient inhabitants developed sophisticated water management strategies to sustain their community. The scale and complexity of the underground city indicate that it was far more than just a military fortification or temporary refuge.

While the precise age of the structures remains unknown, architectural features and construction techniques suggest that they may date back to the Qajar era. The Qajar people, a Turkmen tribe originating from modern-day Azerbaijan, were influential in shaping Iran’s history. They played a significant role in supporting the Safavid dynasty (1501–1722) and later established their own ruling dynasty in 1794, unifying Iran under Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar. Their influence extended to architecture, governance, and trade, leaving a lasting mark on the region.

Abarkuh’s historical significance has long been recognized. Positioned strategically between Yazd and Isfahan, it was a thriving center of trade and worship. The town’s importance in Iran’s past makes the discovery of the underground city even more remarkable. Investigations will continue to determine the extent of the subterranean complex, with hopes of uncovering more passageways, chambers, and possibly ancient artifacts that could provide further insight into the lives of the people who once inhabited this hidden city.

Aerial photographs of Abarkuh suggest that the Qajar people deliberately built their homes on rocky outcroppings, allowing them to carve underground spaces for protection and efficiency. Between these homes, they cultivated gardens, maximizing the use of land while maintaining access to natural resources. The underground waterway, a beautifully carved stone aqueduct, is believed to have played a critical role in the town’s water supply, demonstrating the advanced engineering capabilities of the Qajar civilization.

Hatami noted that steps were built along the underground water route, allowing access to water transfer points. These steps would have enabled inhabitants to regulate the water flow while also providing a cool refuge during the sweltering summer months when surface temperatures became unbearable. The underground corridors naturally maintained lower temperatures, making them an ideal retreat from the extreme heat. Additionally, larger chambers with alcoves were carved into the rock, creating more comfortable living spaces within the subterranean environment.

Beyond comfort, the underground city would have provided a crucial defensive advantage. In times of invasion or internal conflict, the subterranean passages would have served as an impenetrable stronghold, allowing inhabitants to hide and survive without being exposed to external threats. This strategic use of underground construction reflects the resilience and ingenuity of the people who built and inhabited Abarkuh.

Current estimates suggest that the underground city extends beneath roughly one-third of Abarkuh’s surface structures. However, past urban development projects have complicated exploration efforts, as wastewater flooding has rendered some of the tunnels inaccessible. Despite these challenges, archaeologists remain optimistic that continued excavations will yield even more discoveries.

Abarkuh is already home to numerous historical sites, with 147 locations registered as national heritage sites. The town’s most famous landmark is its 4,000-year-old cypress tree, a symbol of longevity and deep historical roots. Yet, the discovery of the underground city may prove to be one of the most significant findings in the region’s history. It sheds new light on the architectural and engineering skills of Iran’s past civilizations, demonstrating how they adapted to environmental and geopolitical challenges through innovation and strategic planning.

The underground city of Abarkuh stands as a testament to the ingenuity of the people who built it. It challenges previous assumptions about the town’s historical significance and opens the door to new research into the lives of its ancient inhabitants. As archaeologists continue to explore its hidden depths, this remarkable discovery is sure to provide valuable insights into Iran’s rich and complex history.