The underground city of Samen is a unique structure in Iran, the scale of which is found nowhere else.
The underground city of Samen in west-central Iran is preparing to open to the public. The ancient troglodyte settlement dates back to the Parthian era (247 B.C. – 224 A.D.), according to archaeological data.
An entrance with Parthian architectural motifs and elements is currently under construction next to the underground city located in Hamedan province, said Ali Malmira, head of the provincial tourism department.
Lighting, museum exhibits and security systems are among other works being carried out in the underground village. She expressed hope the renovation of the historic site will be completed by Shahrivar month (Aug. 23). The Samen Underground Village consists of 25 rock-cut chambers, interconnected tunnels and halls, the official said.
The underground city of Samen is located in southwestern Malayer County in Samen County. Archaeologists believe that the original core of the city dates back to the pre-Sabbath era and was expanded over time. The underground city of Samen, hidden before the Arsacid period, was later used as a cemetery. The current location of the city suggests that it may be the ruins of a city called “ramen” in the books of Almasalek and Al-mamalek. This underground site is one of the most unique structures in Iran.
Excavations at this site began in 2005 and are still going on. To date, dozens of well-preserved skeletons have been recovered from its interconnected chambers.
