Shahr-I Sokhta and its Masonry Walls from Structural and Seismicity Standpoint

Shahr-i Sokhta, also known as the Burned City, demonstrates remarkable seismic resilience in its ancient masonry walls, which have withstood significant seismic loads for over five thousand years. This study reveals that the city's engineering techniques, employed around 3200 BCE, were far more advanced than previously recognized, particularly in their structural and seismicity considerations. Using finite element software simulations, researchers analyzed a wall from Shahr-i Sokhta to assess its deformation under seismic conditions, confirming its exceptional durability. Beyond its structural innovations, the site is renowned for other significant discoveries, including the world's earliest known artificial eyeball, the first animation, and the oldest backgammon game with dice.

Masoumi, M. M. (2014). Shahr-I Sokhta and its Masonry Walls from Structural and Seismicity Standpoint. Transactions of the VŠB – Technical University of Ostrava, Civil Engineering Series., 14(2), 17–25. https://doi.org/10.2478/tvsb-2014-0025