Journal of Archaeological Studies

Abstract The Orzuiyeh Plain stands as a crucial region for understanding prehistoric, particularly Chalcolithic, settlements in southwestern Kerman Province. While sites like Gaz Tavileh, Morad Abad XII, and Vakil Abad have seen limited archaeological exploration, they have yielded insufficient data on the sequence of Chalcolithic occupation. To address this gap, a stratigraphic investigation of Tepe Morad Abad VIII, a prominent Chalcolithic mound in the area, was undertaken to establish a relative chronology and delve deeper into Chalcolithic life and pottery traditions. The mound’s substantial depth and scattered pottery fragments suggested a lengthy occupation spanning multiple cultural periods, likely associated with the Yahya Pottery Culture. Through meticulous field and library research, a detailed analysis of pottery artifacts revealed a clear sequence of Chalcolithic occupation across 60 distinct layers. Of the 2413 recovered sherds, 918 underwent in-depth study, including drawing and classification. The findings indicate continuous habitation at Tepe Morad Abad VIII throughout Yahya Periods VI, VC, VB, and VA, spanning from the early to late Chalcolithic era, with an estimated timeframe of 5600 to 4200 BCE.

Abstract Laran County in Highland Zagros in Bakhtiari region consist of two major rivers; Karun and zayandeh Roud and Perhaps one of the few areas of the country that has not witnesed archaeological activities. According to Geographical location and ecological capabilities of the region, it is essential that to know which environmental factors Influence to create, bumping or contribute abandoned sites? This study carried out with descriptive and analytical methods to analyze and classify data using GIS and SPSS software. By examining environmental factors we determined that pasture and water seasonal resources have the greatest impact on the creating and sustaining sites. Four clusters were determined through cluster analysis and classified the sites to have been acted as temporary settlements with the animal husbandry and limited farming.  subsistence economy.