The Royal Tombs and palace archaeology at Hasanlu

Record summary

Excavations at Hasanlu in northwestern Iran uncovered a major Iron Age destruction layer, monumental architecture, weapons, vessels and human remains. The site became especially famous for two skeletons found near a stone bin, later popularly called the Hasanlu Lovers, although their relationship and circumstances cannot be established from the image alone. Hasanlu matters for comparing destruction archaeology, biological anthropology and regional chronology. Dating, identity, cause of destruction and interpretation of the human remains have all received scholarly attention. Public presentations often turn an uncertain scene into a romantic narrative.