This is from an archeological site called Hasanlu, level IVB, which was burned after a military attack. People from both fighting sides were killed in the fire, which apparently spread quite unexpectedly and quickly through the town. These skeletons were found in a plaster grain bin, probably hiding from soldiers, they almost certainly asphyxiated quickly because of the fire. They are both male, which could indicate a family connection (or maybe a homosexual relationship). The “head wound” is actually from modern-day excavators. The skeleton couple was unearthed in 1972.
These skeletons were found in a bin with no objects. The only feature is a stone slab under the head of the skeleton on the left hand side (SK335). Some sources claim that skeletons, appearing to kiss each other, were buried 6000 years ago, but that’s not true. The archeologist who studied the skeletons say they were there since 2800 years ago. The University of Pennsylvania has determined that the couple died together in about 800 B.C. The skeletons do appear like they are kissing each other before they died – as if to signify that love is eternal.
The source of this image comes from the Penn Museum and they have name it as “The Lovers”. Its description reads:
“The Lovers” from 1972 season at Hasanlu
Hasanlu is an archaeological excavation site in Iran, Western Azerbaijan, Solduz Valley. Theses skeletons were found in a Bin with no objects. The only feature is a stone slab under the head of the skeleton on the left hand side (SK335).
Penn Museum
Teppe Hasanlu, located in northwest Iran is a very famous archaeological site of an ancient city and was excavated in 10 seasons between 1956 and 1974 by a team from the University Museum, University of Pennsylvania and the Metropolitan Museum of New York. Many valuable artifact were unearthed, including this eternal couple.
Courtesy of: Rare Historical photos