12/10/2024 By mrbill
Deep in the arid landscapes of northwestern Iran, near the village of Hamzelou, lies the Chehrabad Salt Mine. While this site has long been known for its rich deposits of rock salt, gypsum, and clay dating back to the Miocene era (between 5 and 23 million years ago), it has gained international attention since 1993 for an entirely different reason: the discovery of mummified remains entwined with salt crystals. These ancient “salt men” have captivated scientists and historians alike, leading to the site’s protection under Iran’s Heritage Law since 2009.