10,000-year-old salt mummies shedding light on the ancient Persian era have been discovered in Iran.

The mummies, known as the "Salt Men," discovered in a salt mine in Iran, are of great archaeological importance. These mummies, some of which are over 10,000 years old, were found in a naturally preserved state.

Since the discovery of the first mummy in 1993, a total of six complete mummies and various body parts have been found. The moisture-absorbing property of salt and the oxygen-free environment have ensured the exceptional preservation of the bodies.

It is believed that most of the mummies died in mine collapses. Some of them still have their arms raised, preserved in the position they were in at the moment of death. The most impressive example is the fourth "salt man," belonging to a 16-year-old miner who was found crushed by a cave-in.

Researchers have been able to examine the mummies' hair, beard, clothing, and even internal organs. This has provided valuable information about the lifestyle of ancient Iranians. For example, the presence of tapeworm eggs in one of the mummies indicates the consumption of raw or undercooked meat during that period.

Various objects were also found alongside the mummies, such as iron knives, woolen garments, silver needles, leather cords, and pottery fragments.

Currently, four mummies are on display in museums in Iran. The Zanjan Archaeology Museum houses three male and one female mummy, while the head and foot of the first discovered mummy can be seen at the Iran National Museum in Tehran.

This unique discovery sheds light on the life and death conditions of the ancient Persian period and holds the distinction of being the only known salt mummies worldwide.