Journal of Archaeological Studies

Abstract The Encircled Male Bust is one of the most mysterious symbols of ancient Iran and as yet, many researchers have commented on its identity and origin. However, the evidences have not been enough to achieve a certain, ultimate result. Some researchers relate the Encircled Bust to the pre-Achaemenid period and believe that its origin goes back to Assyrian art. On the other hand, there is the possibility that the Encircled Bust is a purely Iranian innovative motif (Median or Achaemenian). So far, there have been various hypotheses proposing that the Encircled bust could be Ahura-Mazda, the Moon God, Mithra, Xwarneh, or alive or dead king. Reviewing the history of the Encircled Bust and analyzing previous opinions, this research concludes that there are two candidates for the identification of this motif: 1. King, 2. a god other than Ahura-Mazda. In the first case, the most possible option is the dead king and in the second case the most possible case is the god of Mithra.

Abstract According to the inscriptions the eastern and southern shores of Lake Urmia were occupied by Urartuian Empire in 9th century B.C. There have been evidences such as the inscribed documents as well as a number of archaeological sites contain in Urartuian materials which all reveals the conquest of Urartuian over the area. Some of these inscriptions give an account of efforts made by Urartuian Kings to consolidate their long term powers as they tried to build various fortifications in the invaided territoried. Göyce Qala in city of Maragheh is one of the castles implying the presence and influence of Urartuian in the area for at least half a century. This paper describes the characteristics of Göyce Qala castle through comparing it with the most well-known Urartuian castles of the neighbor in areas to understand not only the physical patterns of the castle itself but to explain the role of this castle played in the area to extend Urartuian military controls over the area around 810 to 764 B.C.