Journal of Archaeological Studies

Newly Found Stucco with Human Figures from Bishapour

Mosayeb Amiri

Volume 14, Issue 3 , October 2022, , Pages 1-20

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2022.336829.143077

Abstract

Archaeological activities during the past two decades at Bishapour have revealed architectural structures, plaster-molding, seals and other objects from this valuable site. This city, ... Read More

Preliminary Study and Introduction of Discovered Seals from the Parthian Cemetery of Westmin, Kiasar, Sari, Based on Three Seasons of Excavations in 2015-2018

abdolmotaleb sharifi; Bahman Firouzmandi Shirah Jini; kamal aldin niknami

Volume 14, Issue 3 , October 2022, , Pages 119-140

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2022.343035.143152

Abstract

In 2014, the contractor company operating the Damghan-Neka gas transmission line demolished and exposed two Parthian burial mounds in the village of Vestemin. Vestemin is located 80 ... Read More

Tepe Chay Khoy, New Evidence from the Chalcolithic Period Northwest of Lake Urmia: Regional and Transregional Interactions with Lake Urmia, Caucasus and Eastern Anatolia

Afrasiab Garavand; Ardeshir Javanmardzadeh; Akbar Abedi; Fatemeh Malekpur

Volume 14, Issue 3 , October 2022, , Pages 141-167

Abstract

Tepe "Chay" (1181 m asl) is a small site with an area of less than one hectare in and a height of 1 meter above the surrounding fertile lands, which is located 2.5 km southwest of Dizajdiz ... Read More Tepe "Chay" (1181 m asl) is a small site with an area of less than one hectare in and a height of 1 meter above the surrounding fertile lands, which is located 2.5 km southwest of Dizajdiz town and 10 km southeast of Khoy. The first season of excavation at the site was carried out in July and August of 2021 in order to delimit the site, to ascertain its exact extent as well as conduct soundings of the stratigraphy of the site to better understand its phasing, periodization and chronology. In this regard, nine test trenches were excavated in different parts of the site; of these, only three test trenches were located within the site’s limits and the rest were off-site. Based on the delimiting soundings the exact extent of the site was 7468 square meters. A stratigraphic trench (TR.10) was also excavated in the southwestern part of Tepe Chay and in total, 7.4 m of architectural, layers and cultural deposits were identified; virgin soil was reached at a depth of 8 meters. According to the typology of pottery obtained from the layers and their comparison with other sites of northwestern Iran, the a relative chronology of the site consists of four settlement phases belonging to 1) the Early Chalcolithic (Dalma culture) (Tepe Chay I); 2) Late Chalcolithic 1 (Pisdeli) (Tepe Chay II); 3) Late Chalcolithic 2 (Chaff-Faced Ware) (Tepe Chay III); and 4) Late Chalcolithic 3 (Chaff-Tempered with comb-design and perforated manqals). Futhermore a Kura-Araxes I (Tepe Chay IV) component is suggested for the sequence of the site. During the excavation, no cultural interruption or gap was observed between Late Chalcolithic and Kura-Araxes layers, and the evidence indicates a continuity and transition between these two periods. It is therefore possible that the Kura-Araxesian, like the Kul Tepe Hadishahr, originates from Late Chalcolithic society of Tepe Chay. Therefore, according to the results of the excavations of Tepe Chay as well as the excavations of Kul Tepe, Dozdaghi Khoy, Tepe Gijlar and Geoy Tepe, perhaps northwestern Iran can be introduced as one of the core centers for the formation of early stages of the Kura-Araxes culture. Evidence from the excavation also suggests a function of trade with neighboring areas, especially the prehistoric obsidian and salt trade for Tepe Chay.

Newly-dedicated Urartian inscription from Bastam by Rusa II

Maryam Dara; Gholam Shirzadeh; Reza Heydari; Ali Khorablou

Volume 14, Issue 2 , September 2022, , Pages 19-36

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2022.337586.143079

Abstract

The Urartians ruled over the shores of Lakes of Van, Sevan and Urmia from ca. the 9th to 7th centuries B.C. There are several stone and rock inscriptions remained in northwest of Iran. ... Read More

The Eastern Iran Prehistoric Archaeological Project: The Second Season of Archaeological Excavation at Kale Kub, Southern Khorasan Province (2019)

Mohamad Hossein Azizi Kharanaghi; Masashi Abe

Volume 14, Issue 2 , September 2022, , Pages 133-152

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2022.341819.143109

Abstract

After more than one hundred years from the beginning of archaeological studies in Iran, the eastern regions of the country have received scarce or no attention from archaeologists, ... Read More

The North and South Central Plateau of Iran During the Third and Second Millennium BCE (3200-1500 BCE)

Hassan Fazeli nashli; Siamak Sarlak; Javad Hoseinzadeh; Sahar Yazdani; Babak Rafiei-Alavi; Stacy .A. Carolin

Volume 14, Issue 2 , September 2022, , Pages 153-180

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2022.348692.143160

Abstract

The societies of the northern and southern zones of the “Iranian Central Plateau” flourished during the last quarter of fourth millennium BCE. This floruit was marked by ... Read More

In Search of the Message of Srōš: Investigation of the Deity Srōš and his Iconography During the Sasanian Period

Rahele Koulabadi; Seyed Mehdi Mousavi Kouhpar; Morteza Ataie

Volume 14, Issue 2 , September 2022, , Pages 181-197

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2022.338945.143094

Abstract

Srōš is a great Zoroastrian diviniy in the Avesta and Middle Persian texts. He functioned as a warrior and a fighter against evil, a high priest, and one of the judges of the ... Read More

Qolam Tepe of Jafarabad: Recognition of the Sialk VI Satellite Site in Kashan Foothills

Reza Naseri; Malekzadeh Mehrdad

Volume 14, Issue 2 , September 2022, , Pages 199-224

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2022.337559.143081

Abstract

Until recently, the culture of the late Iron Age in the central Iranian Plateau had only been identified at the southern mound of Sialk. In this study, a newly discovered site, called ... Read More

Parthian History and Syriac Sources by Looking at the Impact of National Iranian Historical Traditions on Syriac Resources

Narges Asadpur; Kamaleddin Niknami

Volume 13, Issue 4 , September 2022, , Pages 1-20

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2019.289750.142782

Abstract

We are justlfied in our study of Iran’s historical period by the invisible and clear vestiges of the mysterious Parthian empire, which has piqued the interest of a lot of ... Read More

The Typology of Rusa II’s Seal Impressions on the Urartian Bullae of Bastam

Maryam Dara

Volume 13, Issue 4 , September 2022, , Pages 39-70

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2021.325316.143025

Abstract

Urartiand ruled over the shores of Urmia, Van and Sevan Lakes in from about 9th to 7th centuries B.C.E. Bullae are among the smallest but most significant pieces of information they ... Read More

Identifying the Cultural Sequence of Marivan Plain; Based on Archaeological Field Survey

Morteza Zamani Dadaneh; Sirvan Mohammadi Ghasrian; Amir Saed Mucheshi

Volume 13, Issue 4 , September 2022, , Pages 71-96

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2022.279507.142704

Abstract

In recent years, an increasing number of archaeological investigations have produced new evidence for the prehistoric development (both in chronology and settlement patterns) in the ... Read More In recent years, an increasing number of archaeological investigations have produced new evidence for the prehistoric development (both in chronology and settlement patterns) in the westernmost provinces of Iran. Prior to the commencement of the MPAP an earlier survey in the Marivan region had been carried out by the Department of Archaeology at Bu Ali Sina University in Hamadan (Iran). Research focused on the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods and, unfortunately, evidence from the Chalcolithic periods is yet to be published. The Marivan Plain Survey Project, by Morteza Zamani Dadaneh from the University of Kurdistan, Kurdish Studies Institute, conducted a first season of systematic survey for four weeks in the summer of 2018. The goal of MPAP is to reassess previous survey work in the region. Archaeological project of Marivan plain in 2018 resulted in identifying 60 sites from Neolithic to more recent time. Among identified sites: 1 site dating back to PPN Neolithic, 14 site to chalcolithic period (early, middle and late), 2 site to Bronze Age probably, 11 site to Iron Age, 28 site to historic (Parthian) period and 12 site to Islamic era. Regarding the settlement pattern of prehistoric sites (Neolithic and chalcolithic period), it become clear that all prehistoric sites distributed in the northern and southern shore of Zeribar lake. Most probably such pattern influenced from Zeribar sea level and access to the fertilized agricultural lands in this area in Neolithic and chalcolithic times. But the distribution pattern of historic and Islamic sites is somewhat different from prehistoric pattern and is similar to pattern of nowadays residential areas. Current and historic/Islamic residential area placed close to permanent water sources in the narrow valleys surrounded the Zeribar lake. Of course, part of the Marivan Plain is located in the east of the current Marivan City, which is far from Zarivar Lake, and dispersed settlements in this section formed on the edge of the main river, one of the branches of the Garan River

Recognition of Sassanid Takht-i-Nishin (Throne Room) in the Middle of Ardeshir Khorra City; A Proposition of a Temple of Anahita and Fire Chartaqi in the Continuation of Previous Traditions

Hamed Mohammadpour; Elham ANDAROODI; Mohammad Hasan Talebian

Volume 13, Issue 4 , September 2022, , Pages 161-187

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2020.282253.142722

Abstract

In the middle of the city of Ardeshir Khoreh (the city of Gur), there is a rectangular tower, a circular structures, as well as a fort and a circular moat, which are considered to be ... Read More In the middle of the city of Ardeshir Khoreh (the city of Gur), there is a rectangular tower, a circular structures, as well as a fort and a circular moat, which are considered to be the most prominent structures of this city; But in the northeastern part of the city of Ardeshir Khoreh, a place called "Takht-i-Nishin" (throne room) remains in the form of a platform of heavy dressed stone and a hollow or pit in the form of a reservoir, which has been studied by different scholars from the early centuries of Islam until now. However, there are still differing views on this complex; For example, the four-arched structure located on a flat platform is called by the names of Atashgah, Qasr, Tarbal, Atashkadeh, Dekan, Atashkhaneh, Kooshak, Irankiakhareh, Ivan, Dekeh, Irangardeh, palace, mansion, tower, house, and ziggurat. In addition, the reservoir next to the platform is also called Cheshmeh, Ghadir, Hoz Ab (water pool), AbAnbar (water reservoir) and Abnama (fountain). Therefore, attributing various names to this complex indicates the ambiguity in the nature of the constructions. The demolition the complex’s most buildings and the coverage of its remains bu rubbles over time, has caused less attention to this building in various documents and sources. Therefore, by interpreting the different views that exist around the structures of this building, this study aims to recognize the function of the Takht-i-Nishin complex, how the spaces are related and why it was built in the middle of the city of Ardeshir Khoreh. In order to achieve this goal, the interpretive-historical method have been used and library resources such as archaeological reports and historical documents were studied. Also, more accurate and up-to-date information was obtained through field visits and surveys, which paved the way for research. Then, by physical and spatial analysis of similar buildings such as the Anahita temple in Bishapour, a comparative comparison of the combination of four arched structure or Chartaqi and the water basin in the middle of Ardeshir Khoreh city has been conducted. As a result, the research findings show that the building on the platform is in the form of a cruciform hall with a four arched pattern and is located in an adjacent bed overlooking the man-made pond in the middle of the city of Ardeshir Khoreh. According to Ibn Balkhi, and the remains of debris visible on the ground, there was probably a similar quadrangle in front of the second basin or behind the available one. Hence, these Chartaqi, as a continuous fireplace connected to the water basin, have created a structure that shows a common pattern in the formation of Sassanid period religious collections related to water and sacred fire. The findings indicate that it can be a place of worship for the goddess Anahita in a ritual complex by being located next to the holy water pool and fire place

Introduction and Analysis of the Architecture of the Tomb of Sultan Ibrahim Reza in Darmian City and Reading the Relics of its Historical Writings

Ali asqar Mahmoodinasab; Seyyed rasool Mousavi Haji; abed taghavi

Volume 13, Issue 4 , September 2022, , Pages 189-213

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2021.280274.142706

Abstract

The study of Islamic Period buildings in Iran proves the presence of countless religious and non-religious tombs that are scattered in most parts of this border and region. As one of ... Read More

Notes on the Sasanian Alabaster Disc in the Cleveland Museum of Art

Parasto Masjedi Khak; Mostafa Khazaie Kouhpar

Volume 13, Issue 4 , September 2022, , Pages 215-232

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2021.280949.142715

Abstract

Among the Sassanid artifacts is a disc at the Cleveland Museum of Art. There is no information about person engraved on the disk, just in the Cleveland Museum's recorded information, ... Read More Among the Sassanid artifacts is a disc at the Cleveland Museum of Art. There is no information about person engraved on the disk, just in the Cleveland Museum's recorded information, and idea of Dorothy Shepard, this hunter man is Ardeshir II of Sasanian Dynasty. Due to the unusual form and uniqueness of disc among the Tape Hesar Bronze Age culture works, and despite the fact that the motif and subject engraved on it are characteristic of the art of the Sassanid period; But with the help of archaeological data, interesting information can be provided. The objectives of this study are to understand the person engraved on this marble disk In this study, In addition, the authors try to evaluate the origin of the marble disk based on archaeological findings so that they can speculate about the geographical area production of this object and determine whether this work is the production of the area from which it was found. Or was it produced elsewhere in the realm of the Sassanid kingdom? the authors have shown similar examples of disks from the prehistoric period and have shown that the construction site of this object in North and Northeastern Iran is in sites that contain both Bronze Age cemetery and the Sassanid period remains. And the original disk belongs to the Bronze Age and the culture of Hesar / Gorgan, examples of which have been found in the tombs of this period. Also, considering the form and decoration of the crown engraved on this disc and its comparison with the crown of Ardeshir II in the Taq-e Bostan and the plate of Ardeshir II recovered from the Mes Aynak site in Afghanistan, it seems that Ardeshir II could not be the king engraved on this disk. The depicted person on this plate is probably one of the Sassanid princes who ruled the Northern region or one of the local dynasties kings; during early Islam of the region, dynasties that remained faithful to the Sassanid traditions for several centuries. However, we will need more information from archaeological or incidental findings to reinforce these ideas or change it.

Recognition of the Great Khorasan Road in the North of Markazi Province

majid montazer zohouri; esmail sharahi

Volume 13, Issue 4 , September 2022, , Pages 233-260

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2020.286724.142763

Abstract

Undoubtedly, the Great Khorasan Road, known as the Silk Road, has been one of the most important trade routes during the historical periods of Iran. In a comprehensive perspective this ... Read More

Analysis of the Animal Motifs on the Bronze Pins Belong to The 3rdMillennium B.C in the Halil Roud Basin (Case Study)

Fahimeh Mousavi; Behzad Balmaki; Mohammad reza Saeedi

Volume 13, Issue 4 , September 2022, , Pages 261-282

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2019.286038.142758

Abstract

The Halil roud Basin is one of the known ancient sites of the 3rd millennium BC in southeastern Iran. From this basin, following archaeological studies in 2001, more than 300 archaeological ... Read More The Halil roud Basin is one of the known ancient sites of the 3rd millennium BC in southeastern Iran. From this basin, following archaeological studies in 2001, more than 300 archaeological sites during prehistoric to Islamic periods have been identified. The most important relics of this civilization belong to the 3rd millennium BC, which is comparable to the historical relics of the Mesopotamian, Elamite, Central Asian and the Indus Valley civilizations. The main issue of this research is to identify the civilization of Halil roud by studying the symbolic motifs of objects in the form of bar pins that have been identified from all over the Halilroud basin and are kept in the Harandi Museum in Kerman. These objects are 155 pieces of pins, which are a group of simple rods without patterns and 24 of them have a pin head decorated with animal, plant and geometric patterns. The purpose of this study is to introduce and recognize 3 pieces of the above-mentioned pins, which have been selected and studied due to the role the confrontation animals. The role of animals in these pins has been described descriptively-analytically and the themes of these three objects as cultural and artistic findings of Halil roud basin in a comparative study with the themes of the showing areas of the 3rdmillennium BC in southeastern Iran, the Mesopotamian and Central Asian civilization have been evaluated. From the perspective of studying the history of art, by collecting information in a field method, including observing these works in the museum, photography, design, and typology of the motifs, Technique and style of shapes, a comparative study of these motifs has been done. In addition to the field method, these analyzes have been completed using written documents and sources, as a result of the pin and as a result of examining these pins, it was found that the shape of the pins with the body shape of animals such as mountain goats standing on their front legs and symbolically feeding the tree, eagles with raised wings, snakes with open mouths and It is performed in an aggressive manner and the lions sitting in front of each other in a completely symmetrical manner and this state of their symmetry with each other induces their confrontation. Thus, these motifs have been categorized and evaluated in terms of animal confrontation, content and possibly mythological features.Considering the observation and comparison of these motifs, it can be acknowledged that these objects show the influence of the insight and awareness of the creators of these works and the systematic human interaction with the environment and common culture in the past. Which is created through the beliefs, beliefs and aesthetic sense of the producing artist and the similarity of these designs to the animals of other ancient sites shows the common nature of these areas and the cultural influence of artists on each other in creating works of art.

Chronology and Functional Analysis of the Site Known as Qale-e Sam in the Historical Province of Masbazan (Ilam Province)

Younes Yousefvand; Farshad Miri

Volume 13, Issue 4 , September 2022, , Pages 307-330

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2019.288249.142774

Abstract

Qaleh Sam is located in Holeylan district in Sirvan/Shirvan County in the northeast of Ilam province. This monument is one of the worthy Iranian architecture in the central Zagros cultural ... Read More Qaleh Sam is located in Holeylan district in Sirvan/Shirvan County in the northeast of Ilam province. This monument is one of the worthy Iranian architecture in the central Zagros cultural zone. Despite its importance, this monument is unknown until now. Qaleh Sam is located in Si’pelah canyon on the border of Lorestan and Ilam provinces. In Si’pelah, in addition to Qaleh Sam, remains some of the other buildings such as: a bridge, some military installations, a Char Taq, a water mill, and two ruined sites. The distribution pattern of these monuments in Si’pelah Canyon shows that they are related to Qaleh Sam, and they could be interpreted together. As the focal point of formation for the architetural complex in Si’pelah canyon the Qale Sam has archaeological and architectural values. The main structure of this monument consists of a residential building with a focal char tag in down and a fortress on top. Nevertheless, it has been neglected by researchers and its historical and functional nature remains unclear. The purpose of this paper is the introduction the Qale Sam by relying on archaeological findings and existing architectural evidence and evaluating and analyzing functional identity and its chronology. The research approach is historical and findings have been collected through field methods and the study of library texts. The study of archaeological and architectural findings of Qale Sam along with the study of its geographic location and the analysis of the spatial organization of all works in Si’pelah canyon show that Qaleh Sam has been a security residency of a high-grade person. The analysis of these monument in the regional context indicated that it has been built based on political and security objectives in a mountainous situation, with the creation of several military structures around it. Architectural elements, scattered pottery on surface, and stucco decorations used in the building show that Qale Sam was constructed in the late Sassanid period and the early Islamic centuries.

An Investigation on Connection of Ideograms Related to the Chain of Phonetic Signs in the Proto-Elamite Writing System

Hassan Afshari; Ruhollah Yousefi Zashk

Volume 14, Issue 1 , June 2022, , Pages 1-22

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2022.313549.142950

Abstract

With substantial increase in socio-political complexity during the second half of the fourth millennium BC and emergance of a need to record the economic transactions, the Proto Elamite ... Read More

A Study of the Architectural Remains of the Sasanian Site of Tol-e Qaleh Seyfabad -Kazerun: A Suggestion about the Function

Yaghoub Mohammadifar; reza Nourozai

Volume 14, Issue 1 , June 2022, , Pages 83-105

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2022.336364.143078

Abstract

The archaeological site of Tol-e Qaleh Seyfabad, with an area of approximately 160 hectares, is one of the important sites of the Sasanian period, which was formed about 500m west of ... Read More The archaeological site of Tol-e Qaleh Seyfabad, with an area of approximately 160 hectares, is one of the important sites of the Sasanian period, which was formed about 500m west of Parishan Lake, in the southwest of Kazerun city, on the natural hill so-called Tol-e Pahan. Due to the building of the Kazerun-Shiraz gas pipeline between 1984 and 1986, the middle part of this site was severely destroyed. Archaeological excavation, as well as ground surveys, show that the exposed building/fort in Tol-e Qaleh Seyfabad has a quadrangular structure, each side of which is probably between 75 and 80 m long, and there were probably four towers in its four corners. The low thickness of the external wall, the type, and quality of construction materials used in it, as well as the dimensions of the interior spaces/units, may indicate that the building was not very high. The spaces adjacent to the northwestern principal wall are generally small and are used for storing and processing agricultural products.In the four corners of the Nakhlak fort located in the intermediate region of Naein and Anarak, the towers are similar to Tol-e Qaleh Seyfabad’s tower, although it has a different plan. In addition, other defensive buildings such as Fulayj fort in Oman, Gorgan Wall fortifications, and Abu Sharifa fort in Mesopotamia are among the defensive structures that are similar to the Tol-e Qaleh Seyfabad building in terms of plans and towers. Archaeological excavation, as well as ground surveys, show that the exposed building/fort in Tol-e Qaleh Seyfabad has a quadrangular structure, each side of which is probably between 75 and 80 m long, and there were probably four towers in its four corners. The low thickness of the external wall, the type, and quality of construction materials used in it, as well as the dimensions of the interior spaces/units, may indicate that the building was not very high. The spaces adjacent to the northwestern principal wall are generally small and are used for storing and processing agricultural products.

The Architectural Tradition of Tombs in the Third Millennium BC in Dambe Kou, Makran, Sistan and Baluchestan Province

Morteza Hessari

Volume 13, Issue 2 , September 2021, , Pages 199-224

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2021.301810.142872

Abstract

The most important area that is directly related to the civilization of the Sind and the southern coastal countries of the Persian Gulf is the Makkoran. These three cultural areas have ... Read More The most important area that is directly related to the civilization of the Sind and the southern coastal countries of the Persian Gulf is the Makkoran. These three cultural areas have many cultural commonalities, especially in the third millennium BC. One of the cultural commonalities of material and spiritual expression is the burial in this period, which shows the same cultural identity in this part of the world. Death is the simplest reality of life, and the actions performed during burial a kind of concern for the fate of the dead. Burial is the ritual of separation from one world to another, and burial is a kind of commitment to the deceased as a member of society. Burial and related traditions are a reflection of the spiritual and ritual aspects of human cultures. Common similarities can be found among different cultures. One of the centers where these commonalities can be found is Dembukuh Cemetery. This cemetery Dambe Kouh is the largest cemetery and area that has been discovered in the southwestern tip of Iran. The area from the third millennium BC It has been established periodically until the Islamic period. The site should have close interactions with the cultural areas around it, especially the Sind Civilization, due to the data obtained from it. The methodology of this research is descriptive-analytical and comparative and the basic and basic data required are obtained through field studies that include prospecting and surface-level surveys. The overall result is a homogeneous appearance of graves, a few graves and the use of graves in later periods. The most important area that is directly related to the civilization of the Sind and the southern coastal countries of the Persian Gulf is the Makkoran. These three cultural areas have many cultural commonalities, especially in the third millennium BC. One of the cultural commonalities of material and spiritual expression is the burial in this period, which shows the same cultural identity in this part of the world

Volume 15 (2023)

Volume 14 (2022)

Volume 13 (2021)

Volume 12 (2020)

Volume 11 (2019)

Volume 10 (2018)

Volume 9 (2017)

Volume 8 (2016)

Volume 7 (2015)

Volume 6 (2014)

Volume 5 (2013)

Volume 4 (2012)

Volume 3 (2011)

Volume 1 (2009)

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