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aliky M, nezamabadi M, Fazeli Nashli H. Microscopic Paleoparasitological Analysis of Iron Age Burials from Shahne-Pushteh, Iran. KCR 2026; 9 (1) :68-74
URL: http://journal.richt.ir/kcr/article-1-323-en.html

Over the past two decades, paleoparasitological research in Iran has expanded significantly in both scale and scope. Despite this progress, investigations across the Iranian Plateau have faced ongoing challenges, and relatively few findings have been published. One major limiting factor is the extensive degradation of biological micro-remains caused by the region’s prevailing climatic conditions, which are generally unfavorable for preservation at most archaeological sites. Notably, the most significant discoveries have come from exceptional preservation contexts, such as the Chehrabad salt mine in Zanjan, renowned for the discovery of the Salt Men mummies, has yielded a wealth of well-preserved biological materials. The high salinity and stable temperatures at the site have created ideal conditions for the survival of delicate micro-remains over millennia. These rare cases emphasize the importance of focusing excavations in environments more conducive to organic preservation. More recently, excavations at Shahne-Pushteh an Iron Age burial site revealed human skeletal remains, presenting a rare opportunity to analyze soil sediment samples microscopically from around the bones. The goal was to detect parasitic remains as indicators of health, hygiene, and diet among the site's ancient population.
Although no definitive internal parasite remains were found, several nematode larvae, mites, and a single palynomorph resembling an Ascaris‌ sp. egg were observed. While not conclusive evidence of intestinal parasitism, these findings highlight the taphonomic processes that affect micro-remains. They also underscore the crucial role of environmental and soil conditions in the preservation of biological material in archaeological contexts.