Iran's Mysterious Salt Mummies Dating Back Thousands of Years
The mummified bodies of six miners, known as the "saltmen," were found in the Chehrābād salt mine in Iran, preserved for thousands of years thanks to the salt and the lack of oxygen. The first saltman, discovered in 1993, was still wearing boots and clothes, and was carrying knives and a gold earring. Between 2004 and 2010, five more bodies, dating from different periods, were found, the oldest of which dates back 2,200 years. Four of these saltmen are kept at the archaeological museum in Zanjan, while Saltman 1, the first to be discovered, is displayed at the National Museum of Iran in Tehran.
Based on a in-depth analysis, the saltmen likely died due to accidents or sudden collapses in the mine. One of them, in fact, was found with his hands still raised in front of his face, possibly surprised by a collapse and using this gesture as a form of protection.
The true cause of their deaths remains a mystery, as does how many more might still be inside the cave.
