Journal of Archaeological Studies

Abstract Chegani County is situated in the western portion of Luristan province. In pursuit of comprehensive studies and investigations within Luristan province, the author conducted a survey in the Shahivand district during the summer of 2012, resulting in the identification of 84 archaeological sites. Predominantly, these sites corresponded to both prehistoric and historical epochs, with only three sites attributed to the Islamic period. The findings of this survey have indicated that the earliest evidence of human habitation in the Shahivand sector dates back to the Lower Paleolithic period, with the identification of six settlements from this era. Sparse and sporadic evidence was discerned from subsequent Paleolithic periods. However, during the Neolithic period, coinciding with the advent of agriculture and animal husbandry, the Shahivand district garnered significant attention, serving as a vital nomadic route from Delfan to Seymareh. Following the Neolithic period, the Shahivand district remained uninhabited until the conclusion of the Middle Chalcolithic II period, ca. the end of the 5th millennium BCE. Subsequently, the district was inhabited the termination of the Bronze Age in the latter half of the second millennium BCE. Notably, archaeological findings suggest heightened activity during the Parthian and Sassanid periods, with a focus on settlement evidence and architectural remnants such as two bridges spanning the Kashkan River and the construction of a stone pathway in the Gashomar Gorge to the north. These manifestations underscore the strategic significance of the Shahivand sector in facilitating communication networks during this epoch

Abstract The beginning of field research in the Deh Luran Plain dates back to the early twentieth century. During this period, researches have been mainly focused on the northwestern part of the plain rather than its southeastern part (Patak Plain). However, the southeastern part of the plain, under the supervision of the author by project of identification and study of the sites in the area of drainage network 23 of the national tropical plan, was intensively surveyed at the end of year of 2015. The primary and general purpose of this program was identifying and documentating the sites, which was achieved. The next goal, namely determining the chronological position and understanding how the settlements were located and recognizing their cultural interactions, compared to their neighboring area, was also achieved by using the discovered cultural materials. In total, out of the 56 identified sites in this archaeological survey, 22 sites had surface evidence of the Uruk Period until the end of the Neo- Elamite Period, at first glance, this number represents a fourfold increase in the number of the settlements by comparing it to the results of previous studies. In the next step, with the registration of the Uruk Sites, it was found that, the population that was living in the plain compared to the previous period, namely the Later Village Period has increased significantly. Then, the population decreased sharply in the Jemdet Nasr Period and we can see an increase in the settlements again in the Dynasty Period, but this increase ended in the Old Elamite Period and decreased in the Middle and Neo- Elamite Periods, this decrease was probably as a result of the effects of trans-regional power centers and climate change.

Abstract Archaeological studies in the region of Qara Dagh (or Arasbaran) are of particular importance due to the fact that this region is located in the area between East-West (Iranian) Azerbaijan and Iran-Anatolian Plateau, as well as north to south of Caucasus-Iran. Archaeological activities in Qara Dagh are often aimed at conducting systematic research to explain the socio-political situations, investigate the cultural-technological currents and changes, explore the connecting and commercial routes of Northern region of Azerbaijan during the Bronze and Iron ages, outline the long-term scientific landscape, and also to understand the archaeological status of the region, relying on field and laboratory methods. The first season of this project, in 2017, dealt with identification of the Bronze and Iron Age sites of Varzeqan city. During the present survey, have been recorded 143 sites from the early Bronze Age to the Iron Age III in the region; and from the most important results of this survey, the changes recorded during the transitions from each period to the next period in relation to demographic changes, settlement patterns and location selecting, evaluating the landscape and natural resources in order to be aware of food networks and economic systems, studying the ecology of the region, livelihood approaches and burial methods can be mentioned. According to this evidence, settlements have been very limited in the region during the early Bronze Age. With the collapse of semi-farmer communities in the early Bronze Age, nomadic life was limitedly formed in the middle of the Bronze Age. In the late of Middle Bronze Age, once again, with the formation of sedentary communities, an increase in the population of the region and the emergence of social complexities are seen during the late Bronze Age to the Iron Age II, followed by the establishment of a primitive class society which was formed under the administration of local small rulers

Abstract Qalʻeh Geli Kaj site, located in 50 km northeast of Qom, with an area of ​​about seven hectares, is one of the most important settlements in the historical period of Qom region. This site, which consists of two parts of the central castle and the remains of the settlement around it, is of special importance in archaeological studies and the history of Iranian architecture in terms of architectural features and various techniques of arch construction. Despite the scattered research that has been done about this site, there are still various questions about the dating, use and also the factors influencing the formation, development and abandonment of this place. The present study aims to answer the existing questions and ambiguities by using the archaeological evidence obtained from the superficial survey of the site and studying the written historical and geographical sources. Therefore, the method used in this research is based on historical analysis and data collection based on field and documentary studies. According to the results, the location of Qalʻeh Geli Kaj, next to one of the sub-branches of the Silk Road (Isfahan to Rey road) and the need to provide the people’s own and financial security of commercial caravans, have been among the main factors of this site’s formation and development. In fact, the initial nucleus of Qalʻeh Geli in the Parthian period was formed as a facility related to the communication road around it, and during the Sassanid period, as a result of the expansion of trade relations, it became a small town. With the arrival of Islam in Iran and following the recession of economic activities, living in Qalʻeh Geli also declined for several centuries; but after the coming to power of the Seljuks and re-advert to trade affairs, with the reconstruction of the architectural structures of Qalʻeh Geli and the construction of a stone caravanserai on its southeastern side, this town was rebuilt. The Seljuk settlement of Qalʻeh Geli is not the last stage of settlement in there and according to archeological evidence, it was also used during the Ilkhanid and Safavid periods; but it has never regained its previous glory. Finally, with the construction of a new communication road between Qom and Tehran in 1882 AD Qalʻeh Geli was also abandoned

Abstract  (1-22)
The Zarandieh county is located in north of Markazi province and northwest Central Plateau of Iran (Figure 1). The capital of the county is Mamuniyeh and this city is located 80 km from Tehran and 30 km from Saveh. From archaeological point of view, this region is located between Central Zagros mountainous and Central Plateau of Iran. Despite of its proximity well known regions of Central Zagros mountainous and Central Plateau of Iran, it is archaeologically poorly known. Our information about the archaeology of Zarandieh region is restricted to Azem zadeh᾽s work in 1970s, who conducted 3 season archaeological survey in the Saveh and Zarandieh region. Then R. Rezalo conducted a systematic survey at Qhaznak Tape in 2001. Other archaeological activities include the sounding and excavation at Meshken Tape in 2007 and 2008 by Nouri shadmahani and M. Nemati and also excavation and systematic survey at Qhaznak Tape in 2007. In 2008, an archaeological survey conducted by Hanan Bahranipour mainly to identify the settlements pattern and recording of archaeological sites of Zarandieh region. The most important aim of the first season of archaeological survey was identification of the possible sites in this landscape, providing the archaeological map of the area and completing the previous archaeological survey. This project has been directed by intensive survey and also information gathered from local people to recognized and register ancient sites; the process of sampling the uncovered sites was then carried out by collecting typical finds which finally resulted in identification of ancient sites. Despite the number of known settlement sites, so far no systematic archaeological studies have been done on this period and the different aspects of these settlements are unknown. The one season of the survey and exploration resulted in the identification of 99 sites in Zarandieh region (Figure 3). Results from survey areas document a sequence of occupation from prehistory to the Late Islamic period. Among them, 19 sites belonged to prehistoric period (Figure 4), 6 sites (Figure 8) to historical period (Parthian and Sasanian periods) and 84 sites belonging to Islamic period (Figure 10). Islamic sites include big sites, mound, mosque, Imamzādeh, bridge, ice- house, caravansary, cistern, fortress, cemetery, bath, Pigeon tower and etc.The present study is based on two categories of historical and archaeological information which has provided new information about Zarandieh region. The study method included fieldwork and secondary research with a descriptive–analytical approach. Extent, spatial distribution of the sites and introduce different cultural periods of the Zharandieh region and their continuity and discontinuance was the other aims of this study. Geomorphological observations suggest that number of the sites has been located on natural hills (Figure 2). All prehistoric sites are located just near seasonal or perennial streams or rivers. According to the surface materials (such as pottery, lithic, tail, clay pipes (Tanpusheh) and so on) and architectural character or style the mentioned sites belonging to Chalcolithic era to the late Islamic period. Most of sites were being introduced for the first time. However, the some sites, including most notably Gobur qaleh Si, Qaleh garbi Varame and Qaleh shargi contain cultural remains from multiple occupations. We could not identify the Paleolithic and Neolithic episodes yet. But in 2007, Nemati discovered a Paleolithic open site. Zarandieh region divided in to two main zones of plain and mountains. This area contains sequential settlements beginning right from prehistoric period till the late Islamic period. The recorded sites and monuments mostly are located in Zarandieh plain and Kharaghan mountain foothill. Chalcolithic period trace is recognized in 8 sites. The ceramic assemblage of this period can be divided into two major groups: Buff Ware and red Ware; the former contains both plain and painted ceramic. These samples are comparable to ceramics obtained from sites in the Central Plateau and central Zagros such as Tape Sialk in the Kashan Plain, Godin tape in Kangavar plain, Tape Sagz Abad and Tape Ghabrestan in the Qazvin Plain, Tape Qelā Gap and Shat Ghilah in Malayer. In the Bronze period, number of the sites decrease and Tape Gaznak is the largest site in this period. The area of occupation is more than 20 Hectar. The presence of deformed pottery pots and furnace residue are the evidences of pottery production in this area.  Also a very large ocher mine is located near this site. Evidence of metal slag has been found in this area. Based on this survey it seems that during historical period number of sites is rare and the number decreases. We identified no site of The Achaemenid and Seleucid period. We identified only 6 sites belong to Parthian and Sasanian periods. Parthian ceramics are varies from buff, orange to red type. A number of these ceramics have mostly impress, curved and raised decorations (Figure 9). Also these types of ceramics show the cultural relations with Qale’ Yazdgird, Khurhe, Parthian domain of Bisotun and Sang-e Shir Cemetery in Hamedan and etc. Most surveyed sites dated to the Islamic period, mainly middle and late Islamic period. In the Islamic period, the number increases drastically, reaching 84. It seems that in this period, the sites are located mostly in side plain. The sites including settlements, mosque, Imam zādeh, bridge, ice- house, caravansary, watering place, fortress, cemetery, bath, Pigeon tower and small and large mounded sites. In this period, the human settlements have been focused on the rivers and water resources for example Qanats. The Zarandieh region populated during the Islamic period and formed towns and villages in Zarandieh plain. The recorded sites mostly belong to Seljuk period and Ilkhanid era. One of the major cities of Iran, which was on the Silk Road, is Moshkoye located between Hamedan, Saveh and Rayy. Based on historical and archeological evidences (for example pottery and architecture) one site proposed as the probable location of the city which is Moshkin Tape in Zarandieh township. Moshkin Tape has been most important in regard to settlement patterns from 10 to 13 century A.D. The name of the city of Moshkoye appears in the books of authors such as Ibn Hawqal, Ibn ḵurdādbih, Ibn Rusta, Istakhri, Jayhani, Maghdasi and so on. In Islamic period, presence of ceramic tripods, plugs (stoppers) and deformed fragments attest to their local production at Moshkin Tape (Figure 11), Tape Abdollah Abad and Tape Shirin Chai. The ceramic types in Zarandieh region include the unglazed simple wares, molded wares, monochrome glaze, added motifs, wares, Sgraffiato, splashed glaze wares, lusterware. The distribution of the sites and their positions compare to the Rivers (Shirin Rood, Adramneh Chai, Rood Shur, and Maasum Rood) indicate that these rivers have played an important role for the populations who used to live in this geographical region during the prehistoric to Islamic times. The investigation is not now complete and the considerable amount of material and data and excavation of the major sites is currently being studied leading to full publication of the results. Inquiring into the features of the recognized sites, this article focuses on cultural periods and the nature of their settlement patterns. The results of the survey of Zarandieh County promise a clear outlook on the oncoming archaeological research projects depending on the pre- defined questions which certainly will be followed by brilliant consequences.

Abstract Geographic and environmental attributes of a given region assume a pivotal role in the formation and persistence of human settlements. Nature confers possibilities and resources on human, who, as per his understanding of them, employs them in pursuit of his goals, hence the rise of human–nature interaction. The frequency of and the ways in which human settlements are established and the type of functions they serve with regard to environmental characteristics give rise to the ecology, which aims to grasp the scope of the interrelationships between humans and the environment. The present paper examines the scope of human-environment interactions in the Parthian period over the geographic extent of ​​the central part of the Kopeh dagh-Aladagh corridor.
The paper seeks to ascertain the local environment’s influence on the formation and evolution of Parthian settlements and to find out the pertinent settlement patterns in northern Khorasan.
Given the environmental potentialities, what were the Parthians’ criteria for site location when establishing their settlements? How did these priorities affect the distribution of sites and their settlement pattern in the study area?  The present paper represents a multifaceted research drawing upon archaeological survey, ecological studies, information processing in GIS, examining the relationships between natural and cultural variables and their impact on the formation of the contemporaneous settlements, and finally archaeological analysis.  The study adopts an ecological and economical approach. In this context, ecological data on the relation between soil type, geology, flora, fauna, and water table or “biosorption analysis” have been used. Processual archaeologists use ecological systems as their basic model for observing the adaptive transformations humans in response to environmental circumstances as even small environmental alterations will have the potential to affect cultural structures.
The Kopeh dagh-Aladagh corridor stretches from Garmab in western North Khorasan to the Mashhad plain to the east. For the purposes of this study, the corridor is divided into the following three separate parts based on geographic features that someway affect cultural aspects: a) Western part: extending from the beginning of the village of Garmab to the border of Shirvan County (Reza Abad), this part is characterized by a mountainous terrain with narrow passes such as Badranlu; b) Central part: in this part, defined by the beginning of Shirvan County (Reza Abad) and the end of Quchan County, the plains grow wider as the mountains begin to sit back; c) Eastern part: Chenaran County and the Mashhad plain mark the extreme boundaries of this part. The focus of the present work is on the central corridor, viz. the stretch delineated by the counties of Shirvan, Farooj and Quchan (Figure: 1). Geographically, the study area encompasses the structural valley of Atrak-Kashafrud, an expanse that is bounded by the mountains of Kopeh Dagh/Hezar Masjed to the north and the Aladagh/Binalud mountains to the south (Figure:2). This plain geomorphological unit exhibits a fairly wide and flat landform, and is principally affected by the sedimentary process of the flowing water bodies of the Kashafrud and Atrak rivers and their tributaries. Geomorphology, it consists of three main units of plain, foothills, and mountains. Its northern and southern sectors are mountainous, its slopes are characterized by foothills, and its central part consists of plain. Indeed, the mountainous quarters comprise small, narrow intermontane plains, which fall in the plain sub-class. The regional heights follow the northwest-southeast trend dictated by the general orientation of the Kopeh dagh zone. The Atrak and Kashafrud rivers rise from the regional mountains, forming two drainage basins. The archeological survey of the concerned area recorded more than 500 archaeological mounds and sites spanning the Chalcolithic to the Islamic period. Based on a comparative analysis of the surface pottery, 20 Parthian sites are distinguishable. It is notable that due to the lack of adequate knowledge of common Parthian pottery forms in the region, due caution has been exercised in the identification of these sites. These Parthian sites are divided between 16 examples lying in the northern half of the plain on the southern slopes of Kopeh dagh/Hezar Masjed and 4 instances that occur in the southern half on the northern slopes of Aladagh. As stated, a main objective of this study is to pin down the influential factors of the region's ecology in the formation of Parthian sites and their distribution in the geographic setting of the central Kopeh dagh-Aladagh corridor. To this end, such components as geology, altitude, slope gradient and aspect, climate, water resources and soil are explored. Finally, the results of the study reveal a close and direct correlation between the site location and the environmental factors (Figures: 3-10). The central Kopeh dagh/Hezar Masjed corridor on the north and Aladagh/Binalud on the south form an upland district hemmed in by mountains. Due to its mountain geomorphology, the area is generally dominated by cold, dry climate. In mountainous regions, slopes and valleys generally offer more advantageous conditions for settlement as the altitude variable prompts reduced temperature and increased humidity. Dropped temperature in warm seasons results in lowered evaporation of water resources, making water resources more easily accessible throughout the year. The choice of appropriate altitude as an influential factor in human activities has thus led to the concentration of Parthian settlements on the slopes dominating the plain. Choosing slopes provided the local populations with access to montane pastures, but also enabled them to exploit alluvial and fertile plains. The same strategy is still operative in the region, where, save for the cities that lie in the plain, rural settlements mostly sit on the slopes overlooking the plain. The distribution of the sites in reference to the slope gradient and aspect shows that, with the exception of F 0026, the Parthian sites lie in proper points of terrain ruggedness and slope gradient spectra, and their dominant slope aspect indicates the maximum use of solar heat in this cold region, with advantageous impacts on agricultural production and pastures. Given their location on slopes, the hitherto identified Parthian sites mostly occur on the spring-fed influent streams that flow into the Atrak, with no instances recognized along the latter. In light of the results from environmental studies, the altitude, slope gradient, easy access to water resources, and fertile soil served as the foremost factors governing the distribution of Parthian sites in the region as they were directly linked with subsistence. It is notable that while our environmental studies drew on the present-day landscape, the survey of the study area produced about 500 sites dating between the Chalcolithic to the Islamic period, and presence of this huge number of sites over this protracted timespan testifies to the fact that advantageous environmental conditions did prevail in the past.
 

Abstract Dargaz County is located in northeastern Iranian Plateau, near to borders of Turkmenistan. Its location so close to Turkmenistan and ancient Nisa, as the first homeland capital of the Parthians, shows the importance of this area in the Iranian history. Discovery of 85 sites dating to the Parthian period in this plain is a testimony to this importance. In this paper, the distribution of the sites has been discussed considering the impact of environmental elements. Settlements of this area have been measured by the distribution of its surface finds. Taking into account of environmental data and the site size, three clusters of sites have been proposed for the Parthian sites of Dargaz. The sites of Toghi and Shahr Tepe are the central sites of two clusters of A and B, respectively. The cluster C represents those sites that have been distributed on the foothills and on the plain as well. Some of these sites are cemeteries of nomadic sector of the Parthian population of the time.

Abstract Despite the valuable evidences in the northwestern Iran (Ardebil province) archaeology of this region is now remains unknown and its chronological order is located on the basis of the excavations carried out in the Urmia lake basin. Since French archaeologist De Morgan in early 20th century presented a brief report of excavations in pre-historic cemeteries around Namin, no other archaeological researches have been presented on the archaeology of this region and there is no clear understanding of the status of different historic and pre-historic periods. The first part of archaeological surveys of Namin was done in an area of about 1100 square kilometers in the eastern part of the plateau of Azerbaijan in 2015, during which 175 historical sites were identified. The results of fieldwork shows the presence of specific settlement patterns in Bronze and Iron Age by focusing on citadels and existence of vast cemeteries mostly containing burial of megalithic forms. In the study area apart from historical sites a number of Islamic sites also were identified.

Abstract Chahar Mahal and Bakhtiari province witnesses a long period of human occupations. It is due to for the geography and environmental factors such as its location on the highly mountainous regions as well as the existence of permanent water resources, small plains, deep valleys and the presence of tribal and nomadic roads. One of these mountainous regions is the Laran County, which is in fact a relatively long valley with smaller suburbs. This section includes the southern aquiferous of Zayandeh-Rud Basin and its branches and the eastern portion of the Karoon River Basin. This region is perhaps one of the few areas of the country where no major archaeological activities have been performed yet. Considering the geographical location and environmental capabilities of the area, carrying out an archaeological survey with the aim of understanding the location of the region in the archaeological studies in Zagros, identifying the factors affecting to the formation, continuity, expansion and disruption of its settlements, and assessing the history of human life developments in the region is necessary. Accordingly, the Laran County was systematic surveyed in 2010. Overall, 210 archaeological sites from the Neolithic period to the contemporary era were identified and recorded. The remains discovered include sites, hills, caves and shelters, cemeteries, bridges, mosques and shrine. In total, 4 settlements from the Neolithic period, 20 settlements of various periods of Chalcolithic, 6 settlements from the Bronze Age 32 sites of the Iron and Achaemenid period, 60 sites from the Parthian and Sassanian periods and 111 ancient sites of the Islamic period were identified. Most of the settlements in this area are located at low altitude and their surface findings have been very poor. Due to the location and morphology of these sites, as well as the studies of the remains of the living nomadic peoples, it seems that most of them are used seasonally. This article is intended to present the preliminary results of this survey work.

Abstract Among the Historical Monuments which have been identified in Tehran plain, Qaleh Iraj (known also as Qaleh Gabri) is the biggest in extent by 1470 m. length, 1300 m. Width covering an area around 190 ha.  This historical site is located 2 Kilometers north-east of Varamin county, in Tehran Plain. Despite some archaeological study, there has been no information on the archaeology of Qaleh Iraj it self alsor on the architectural characteristics of building. This study aimed to determine build up a chronologcal framwork to date different parts of Qale which may have been made durind successive periods.Through this paper we tried to explain the function of Qale and why the Qale was abandoned. For this we used archaeological data, text documents as well remote sensing (RS) magery to find history and function of Qaleh Iraj. This study showed Qaleh Iraj is a Garrison in Sassanian Period and maybe abandoned in the early Islamic period.

Abstract In Iranian archaeology, Sistan played an important role especially in the Parthian period. This region is well known since it was cross road for Greeksto reach the East, a place for Scythians arrival, the presence of powerful Suren Pahlav clan and the place of epic and heroic tales. During the Parthian era favorable environmental conditions of Sistan caused to arise many of towns and settlements in this region as from the total 1662 archaeological site discovered, 392 of which were assigned to be occupied by Parthians. Evidence of these settlements are scattered in the northern and especially southern half of Sistan which are nowadays remain a depopulated desert. Large Parthian sites were identified in each of the two parts so that we regarded them as the central places according to their ranking in Sistan. During this period of time, Sistan was a prosperous land and it was populated due to the abundance of water resources and suitable arable lands. This paper tries to explore the impact of environmental factors in the Parthian settlement patterns since our archaeological data derived from our fieldwork indicated that there has been a positive correlation between the environment and the sites occupation processes.    

Abstract Aiming to identify and record the Prehistoric sites of the Mehrān Plain, the archaeological survey was carried out During the March of 2010; this, has lid to identifying 36 archaeological sites including tell site, open air site and rock-shelter.Of them, 15 sites have attributed to the Prehistoric Times; Of which, the Village period sites being studied and presented over this article. Overall, 1 site can be attributed to the Pre-pottery Neolithic, 2 sites Initial Village Period, 5 sites Early Village period, 8 Sites Middle Village Period and 3 sites can be attributed to the Late Village Period. The undertaking investigations have attested the high interaction between the prehistoric societeis of the Plain with neighbor areas in Khuzestan and Dehluran ine the east and Mesopotamia in the west of the Plain. This paper is trying to focus on the attributed sites to the Prepottery Neolithic to the Late Village period Settlements.  

Abstract   Archaeological landscape of western Iran is representative of great and important socio-cultural changes in various periods of prehistory in Iran. The region that the Central Zagros range comprises its most parts has attracted many archaeologists’ attentions who have conducted many archaeological surveys and excavations in this region since the early 20^th century. Despite its environmental characteristics, Sarfirouzabad Plain in southern Kermanshah has just been the subject of surface surveys and studies. To collected reliable data a systemic field survey by a team from Tehran University in 2009, was conducted in Sarfirouzabad Plain which yielded important results and added most to our limited knowledge of the history of the region. Among the various explored sites, there have been 24 sites of the Middle and Late Bronze Ages (Godin III). Distribution of such sites and their patterns in the plain has been connected to the environmental factors specially access to the water resources, while other factors presumably affecting the settlement formation were based on the cultural and political issues. The goal of this article is to improve the quality of techniques in the understanding of archaeology of the region as well as the regional and cultural systems of Bronze Age.

Abstract Khomein city is located between the Iranian central plateau and central Zagros. The relative importance of Khomein in Sassanian period is evidenced by presence of distinctive monuments such as fire temple of Atashkooh and Mile Malyon in eastern part of Mahallat and inscriptions of Gharghab valley and also passing of a branch of Silk Road through it. Nevertheless there is not so much information about the Sassanians in Iranian Central plateau, specifically in Khomein. This study aimed to determine and reconstruct the patterns and distribution of Sassanid settlements bases on historical documents, environmental and archaeological data, which are gained from archaeological surveys. Hence for determining the influential factors in the formation and distribution of settlements, archaeological information of Khomein were incorporated in GIS system by providing environmental as well as historical information of the region.

Abstract The Abharroud basin is an important region in the archeological studies of northwestern outskirts of the central plateau, and west and northwest of Iran. Considering its environmental capabilities and geographical location, studying the region can leads us to a better understanding of regional relations and also inter-regional interaction between the mentioned cultural-geographical regions. However, archeological studies in the region have not been taken into consideration satisfactorily and we know very little about the early settlements and their nature in the region. The archeological survey in the Abharroud basin was carried out in two seasons in 2003 and 2005. During the survey 257 archeological sites and monuments were discovered, dating from lower Paleolithic to recent ages. Of these, 34 sites contained prehistoric remains. The study results indicate that most of the prehistoric settlements belong to the Chalcolithic period and, in contrary, the least show the Paleolithic and Neolithic evidence. Most of the identified sites are the remains of villages scattered in different areas of the basin, on the plain and also impassable heights. A preliminary study on the surface finds of these settlements suggests a close cultural relation between these settlements and the prehistoric cultures of the central plateau, west and northwest of Iran, from Neolithic to Bronze Age.        

Abstract One of the cultural characteristics of eastern zone at central part of Zagros Range during 3rd millennium BC and at early Bronze Age is the extension of the related habitats to Yaniq Culture (Ancient City near Abhar) in this region. Within field study conducted in 2008 in the plains covering central Zagros eastern side that is situated in Alvan Basin, we managed to identify more than habitats relating to Early Bronze Age. According to analysis done on the data derived from this survey in GIS software environment and by adaption of statistical methods, the relationship between site of habitat and its ecological factors has been assessed. Based on design of this model, we managed to interpret some reason for creation of settlements in this region during Early Bronze Age as well as the existing relationship among the given habitats and archaic routes passed between Iranian Plateau and Mesopotamia at 3rd millienium BC. Using GIS software made it possible for us to identify the reason for many settlement displacements based on archeological evidences at Early Bronze Age so that to describe their settlement models. We can purpose this point, as result of this study, that one may suggest a type of pseudo- nomadic and dry- farming system as economic system for people at Early Broze Age within a limited scale in this region.

Abstract With at least 11 hectares site locating on Fashafooyeh from Rey Town, the archaic area of Nachir Khanloq is one of the important regions from Islamic period that has been less noticed yet. Unfortunately, some parts of this region have been leveled by farming equipments. In addition to its large area, great and massive distribution of cultural artifacts throughout this area, particularly several pottery fragments of both enameled and without enasmel types signify cultural and historic importance of this zone. For this purpose in summer 2010 and within an archaeological researching plan, surface of this area was exploered for study. These explorations demonstrated that the given area enjoyed an appropriate settlement and growth during Islamic mid- and late period. This paper is resulted from study on data of the aforesaid potteries.
The potteries in this case of study are placed within a very large and various spectrums with/ without enamel and each of them is divided into frequency subgroups. One of the interesting points in this regard is that among enameled pottery fragments, some of them were identified from both groups called as Koobacheh and until now no such type of pottery has been yet discovered and reported with the same quantity from this area.
Similarly, relative and comparaticve chronologies of potteries data indicate that Nachir Kanlog Region had such settlents at least within 4-11th hegira centuries (11-18th AD centuries) and this settlement has got to the peak point within 9-11th hegira centuries (16-18th AD centuries).

Abstract During last few years, three seasons of excavations at the Ultan Qalasi, one season of stratigraphy in Nadir tepesi and a short season of survey in Mughan Steppe enriched our knowledge about the ancient landscape of the area. The Mughan Steppe is a geographically diverse region in the northwestern corner of the Islamic Republic of Iran, defined at the north by the Aras (Araxes) River and including the broad plain to its south as well as the foothills east of the Qara Su river leading up to Mount Sabalan in the Ardebil region. Since the closure of the Russian-Iranian frontier in 1884, the southwestern third of the plain falls within Iran and the northeastern two thirds are within the Republic of Azerbaijan. Since the early 18th century it has hosted the winter camps of the Shahsevan tribal confederacy, who migrated annually between pastures in Mughan and on the slopes of Mount Sabalan.
Already by the time of Shapur I, Mughan was known as Balasagan and was incorporated within the Sassanian Empire. Epigraphic documentation for settlement in Mughan in the Sassanian era is rather sparse. But archaeological surveys in western Mughan Steppe and eastern Mughan and Mil Steppe in Azerbaijan show that there are lots of Sassanian sites, mostly of the fortified type along ancient canals. These evidences indicate intensive land use by the Sassanian state. Previously, large and intensive land use with irrigation canals by Sassanians have been studied in Diyala, southern Mesopotamia and Khuzistan. The Mughan and Mil Steppes present another Sassanian landscape, in this case on the northwestern frontier. The collapse of the intensive Sassanian irrigation system created a void on the steppe which was eventually filled by pastoral nomadic groups.