Tappeh Godin

One of the West Iran's most important explorations into the past is centered around Godin Hill and related series of mounds.

Godin is 10 km East of Kangavar, and down another 5 km on the road to Touiserkan. It is on the left side of the road, preceded by brick kiln.

The area is known as "Kangavar Valley" and is one of the richest in archeological remains. Mounds in that general area number in the dozens, but the experts have so far concentrated on Godin and a group of seven mounds, known as "Seh Gabi", 6 km further Northeast along the riverbed. Seh Gabi goes back to 6000 BC, slightly earlier than what has been uncovered at Godin.

The different layers of Godin Hill have yielded the remains of extensive fortifications and houses, and the floor plan of 30-columned throne hall.

After going through fairly new cemetery on the South side and climbing to the top of the mound, East-West corridor can be seen flanked by two rows of chambers, looking out through arrow-slits.

Near Northwestern end of the mound, deep excavation has revealed what may have been typical 16th century BC street and houses. The street is surfaced with packed earth, and the house floors are stone-paved. It seems that settlement may have been struck by earthquake; in one of the houses, skeleton of a man is found that was killed by roof debris.

On the other side of the road, opposite the mound, part of stone tomb found by diggers is still visible. It was covered by large stone slab and contained two skeletons and bowls, with food for the after-life. Next to the tomb was the skeleton of a horse.