Iranian archeologists discovered ruins and antiquities in central Iran that date back to 4,000 B.C., officials said Wednesday.

Mahmoud Shirahi, head of the archeology department in Khamin in central Iran, said discoveries included stone inscriptions, pots and jars and ceramic wares, the Iranian News Agency, IRNA, reported. He said the stone inscriptions also contain drawings of animals and hunters in action.

The archeological site was also discovered in a 1.25-mile-diameter area, which needs to be further explored, Shirahi said.

Copyright 2005 by United Press International