Deep within 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 (5–23 million years ago), it has gained international attention since 1993 for an entirely different reason: the discovery of mummified remains intertwined with salt crystals. These ancient “Salt Men” have captivated scientists and historians alike, leading to the protection of the site under Iran’s Heritage Law since 2009.
The Discovery of the Salt Men
Located 75 kilometers northwest of the city of Zanjan, Chehrabad salt mine sits atop a large salt dome, elevated at 1,350 meters above sea level. The mine’s significance to local communities dates back to ancient times, with evidence of salt extraction spanning four distinct periods: the Achaemenid (6th–4th century BCE), the Sassanid (3rd–7th century CE), and the middle and late Islamic periods (11th/12th century CE and 18th–20th century CE).
The story of the Salt Men began in 1993 when miners at the Douzlakh salt mine, near Hamzehli and Chehrabad, stumbled upon a well-preserved mummified head, dating back to around 300 CE. The head was so intact that even the golden earring retained its original luster, and the hair and mustache were still recognizable. This discovery prompted the Tehran authorities to halt all mining activities and dispatch a team of scientists to investigate. Subsequent excavations revealed more remains, including an intact leather-booted foot and various artifacts such as iron knives, woolen garments, a silver needle, pieces of rope, a whetstone, walnuts, pottery shards, and fragments of broken bones.
In 2004, archaeologists unearthed yet another body, and over the next six years, a total of four more “Salt Men” were discovered, along with a significant number of wooden tools, metal utensils, clothing, and pottery. These mummified remains date back approximately 2,200 years, to the era of the first Persian Empire, the Achaemenids. It is believed that these individuals were miners who met their demise in a tragic mining accident.
The Salt Men’s Secrets
With the support of the German Research Foundation (DFG), systematic excavations were conducted from 2010 to 2017 by a multidisciplinary team led by the Iranian Center for the Research of Cultural Heritage and Preservation. The team included experts from Ruhr University, the Institute for Archaeological Research, and the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum. Their research provided valuable insights into the mining technologies and logistics of ancient salt extraction and confirmed at least three mining accidents in the area. To date, archaeologists have uncovered the remains of at least eight individuals, each with their own unique story.
For instance, the first Salt Man discovered had blood type B+ and a 3D scan of his skull revealed fractures around the eyes and other injuries that occurred before death. It is speculated that he might have been struck by someone and died from a severe blow to the head. His clothing, including impressive leather boots, and his gold earring suggest that he was a wealthy and high-status individual. However, the reason for his presence in the mine remains a mystery.
In contrast, the fourth Salt Man was a 16-year-old boy, found crushed in a small cavern of the salt mine, his body remarkably well-preserved. The fifth Salt Man was discovered to have suffered from parasitic worms, indicating that he either consumed undercooked meat or raw foods. Notably, this is the first recorded case of such a parasite in ancient Iran.
Today, five of the six Salt Men are on display at the Archaeological Museum in Zanjan and the National Museum of Iran in Tehran. The sixth Salt Man remains in the mine, too fragile to be moved. Archaeologists believe that these individuals did not die simultaneously, and the oldest body discovered dates back to 9550 BCE. They also suspect that more mummified remains might be hidden within the mine, as several disjointed body parts from unidentified individuals have already been found.
The Global Fascination with the Salt Men
The discovery of the Salt Men at Chehrabad has garnered worldwide scientific interest, proving that salt can preserve bodies as effectively as the desert. The weight of the salt collapsed onto the unfortunate miners, while the salt crystals absorbed moisture from their bodies, naturally mummifying them. Since 2021, the Iranian Center for the Research of Cultural Heritage and Preservation has undertaken a project to restore and catalog the artifacts found at the Chehrabad salt mine. Narges Afzalipur, the project leader, emphasized the importance of transforming research artifacts into museum exhibits. The project includes wet and dry chemical testing, digital microscopy, mechanical cleaning, labeling, softening, dehumidifying parts, assembling and gluing components, reinforcing, packaging, and photographing the Salt Men and their belongings.
Meanwhile, a team of scientists from the University of Zurich in Switzerland has published a detailed analysis of the Salt Men. Dr. Lena Ohrstrom, a member of the Mummy and Paleopathology Research Group at the University of Zurich, stated, “The Salt Men are rare examples of individuals from ancient Persia, and to date, they are the only known salt-preserved mummies in the world.”
Using X-ray imaging and CT scanning, scientists have been able to reconstruct the faces of the Salt Men. Histological analyses conducted at the Institute of Pathology and Molecular Pathology at the University Hospital Zurich have also allowed researchers to estimate the age of the Salt Men by examining the bone age of their hands, feet, and knees, dental condition, and standard sex estimation characteristics in pelvic bones.
The Salt Men of Chehrabad offer a unique glimpse into the lives of ancient miners and the harsh realities they faced. Their remarkably preserved bodies, along with the artifacts discovered, provide invaluable insights into the technologies, cultures, and practices of ancient Persia. As research continues, these ancient mummies may yet reveal more secrets, shedding light on a fascinating chapter of human history.
