5,000-Year-Old Seals Found in Iran Reveal Complex Trade Networks in Prehistoric Western Asia

In the rugged hills of western Iran, an ancient discovery is challenging everything we thought we knew about early human societies. What was once considered a minor site has now revealed a fascinating glimpse into the complex administrative systems of prehistoric times. At Tapeh Tyalineh, archaeologists uncovered thousands of seal impressions, figurines, and tokens that shed new light on how ancient communities managed trade, resources, and perhaps even the earliest forms of bureaucracy.

The Importance of Seal Impressions in Ancient Bureaucracy

One of the most striking findings at Tapeh Tyalineh was the discovery of over 7,000 seal impressions, which were likely used to manage administrative and commercial activities. These impressions were made using engraved stone cylinders and stamps, essential tools for the early bureaucracies of ancient Western Asia. These seals, found across a range of materials, were used to mark goods, storage containers, and even doors, showing how early societies kept records and controlled trade. Dr. Khosravi, a key researcher involved in the project, explains,

“Unfortunately, between 1 and 2 meters of the upper layers of the mound, across an area of approximately 2,000 square meters, have been destroyed by local villagers. Additionally, the annual plowing of the site’s surface by farmers has caused significant and detrimental damage to the archaeological remains.”

Despite this damage, the sheer number of seal impressions found provides a wealth of information about the administration and trade of the region.

The variety of seals found at the site suggests that Tapeh Tyalineh was part of an extensive network of commercial exchange across Western Asia.

“The seal impressions applied to vessels differ from those used on sacks, indicating that these goods were likely dispatched from various origins to this location,” said Dr. Khosravi.

Unraveling the Administration System of Early States

The function of these seals was not only symbolic but also practical in managing economic activities. Some seals were used to mark storage facilities, likely indicating the goods’ entry and exit.

“As it appears, the owners of some seals were only responsible for sealing the storage facilities, meaning they oversaw the entry and exit of goods. However, in other instances, the seal owner would seal both some of the containers and the doors of the storage areas,” Dr. Khosravi explained.

This level of organization points to a sophisticated and bureaucratic approach to managing resources and trade.

Furthermore, the diversity of seal types found at the site suggests a vast network of interactions between various merchants and communities. “If each seal represents an individual, and if we exclude the approximately 20 distinct seal types used for storage facilities from this assemblage, the inhabitants of this site were in contact with over 150 other merchants or individuals. These individuals were presumably engaged in exchange activities in contemporary villages, both nearby and farther afield.” This discovery, published in the Antiquity journal, sheds light on the complexity of trade and administration in prehistoric times.

The Ongoing Research at Tapeh Tyalineh

While the discovery at Tapeh Tyalineh has provided groundbreaking insights into prehistoric bureaucracy, much remains to be explored. The site has not yet been fully excavated, and further research is needed to confirm the exact timeline and functions of the discovered artefacts. Dr. Khosravi highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the dating of the findings, stating,

“We must await the results of absolute dating analyses for this site. However, it appears that these findings likely belong to a time span ranging from several decades to approximately 100 years.”

The research team plans to conduct more in-depth analyses to better understand the scope of Tapeh Tyalineh’s connections with other regions.

“Currently, laboratory studies for the sourcing of some samples have been conducted, and we hope to examine more samples this year to better understand the scope of the site’s connections,” Dr. Khosravi noted.

The team also plans to carry out extensive archaeo-geophysical surveys, with the hope of resuming excavations by 2027. These efforts are expected to reveal more about the site’s role in the broader network of early civilizations in Western Asia.