Journal of Archaeological Studies

Abstract During Neolithic time, increasing knowledge and various interactions paved the ground for the new experiments and products as well as spread of commodities and different ideas. Across the Near East, Neolithic archaeology has mostly focused on the beginning of domestication and sedentary life. Intensive interaction and exchange between societies, however, is amongst outcomes of Neolithization process that resulted in diffusion of some materials such as obsidian. To date, most of the researchers have taken the issue of long-distance contact in the light of geographical diffusion of obsidian, while various materials and commodities were exchanged via wide networks. In this regard, objects made of seashells are of particular importance. As  a result of recent excavation at Ali Kosh, a great number of different beads of shell and stone was found...along with seated burials dated to the second half of the 8^th millennium BC. Tiny disc-shaped samples constitute the most common beads in the assemblage. They were previously known as stone beads. However, our recent examination shows that they are mostly made of a kind of bivalve sea shell known as Spondylus sp. It seems that such beads were produced on the Pesian Gulf shores, as the closest habitat of the shell, and then were transported or exchanged as finished goods. As evidenced by the recent stratigraphy and human isotopic analysis inhabitants of Ali Kosh had a high level of mobility. This highlights the role of interaction and exchange networks through which beads were diffused across lowlands of southwestern Iran. Accordingly, the site yielded remains of 18 levels indicating subsequent short-term occupations. Furthermore, as by the isotopic analysis, some of the buried individuals seem to have emigrated from shorelines to the site. This highlights the role of interaction and exchange networks through which beads were diffused across lowlands of southwestern Iran. Prevalence of shell beads at Ali Kosh reminds us that obsidian was not the only main exchanged material in the early Neolithic.  The main focus of the present article is  investigation of production and origin of oyster beads from the pre-pottery Neolithic levels at Ali Kosh, Deh Luran Plain

Abstract Esfahan is one of the cities that, despite its ups and downs, retains part of its historic texture and is relatively healthy. Two factors have contributed to the maintenance of the relative health of the old city: relatively low rainfall and low relative humidity on the one hand, and the lack of destructive earthquakes on the other. The quarter of Jobareh (or Jubara) has a brilliant history as the oldest quarter in the city of Esfahan. The mosque is the main core of the city of Esfahan, and its oldest residential quarter dates back to the Achaemenid period; it is reknowned for the centrality of the establishment of the Jewish community there. This quarter was famous for its Jewish population from the beginning of Islam until the fifth century AH. During the Seljuk period, this quarter was located adjacent to important monuments, including the mosque and the Seljuk and market complex, and the city square. This paper tries to answer the following questions: what was the impact of the Jobareh quarter on the formation and growth of the city of Esfahan in the early Islamic centuries and what was the role of the Jews as its native and primary inhabitants in the formation of this historic quarter? The research method used in this study is descriptive–analytical, based on archaeological data including archaeological sites, cultural sites and all monuments ranging from pre-Islamic times to the Safavid period. According to the arguments presented in this paper, one can conclude that one of the most important centers of Esfahan for immigrant Arabs was the Jubara quarter, with the Arabs living in this quarter and with its growing prosperity, it became an important quarter; as time went on, it became larger than the Jay quarter, and the throne of Esfahan was thus transferred from Jay to Judea.

Abstract Historical earthquakes play a notable role in engineering seismology. The historical Kashan-Sialk region, 3 Km south of Kashan, was surveyed in the viewpoint of historical earthquakes events. Several devastating historical earthquakes, occurred in the BC time, identified based on archaeological studies and evidences gathered from field study. In this respect a variety of information, namely time of settlement evacuation due to a natural disaster, walls and roofs collapses, unusual positions of skeletons, cracks and fractures on bones and earth were investigated. Signs of destructions and archeoseismology evidences suggested that an earthquake, with a magnitude of about 7, completely destroyed the Sialk hill. Kashan fault was introduced as an active and causative fault for this event. Effective distance from source (mezoseismic radius of Ambraseys), was used for the events which no evidences were available for their estimation. An empirical magnitude-radius relation was calculated, using regression on Ambraseys historical earthquakes catalogue to assign minimum magnitude to historical seismic events. Finally, a seismicity catalogue for Sialk ancient region and the neighboring area was prepared.    

Abstract The investigation and characterization of the Kura-Araxes culture is a key focus of archaeological research in this field. One of the enigmatic aspects of the Kura-Araxes culture is the role of religion, rituals, and associated ritual evidence among its people. This aspect holds particular significance not due to its spiritual or supernatural dimensions, but rather because of the limited, scarce, and largely unknown nature of the cultural evidence. Archaeological findings related to this facet of Kura-Araxes culture, such as figurines, hearths, and possibly architectural elements, have been uncovered across the entire expanse of this culture’s territory, from northwest Iran to eastern Anatolia and the South Caucasus. One of the primary objectives of this research is to explore the social identity and ritual beliefs of Kura-Araxes communities, and to identify the symbols, elements, and religious signs of the Kura-Araxes culture. This investigation is based on a combination of library-documentary studies and first-hand archaeological data from excavations in Iran and the broader Kura-Araxes cultural sphere. This research also aims to address the following questions and uncertainties: What insights do archaeological evidence and documents provide regarding the ritual-religious beliefs of Kura-Araxes communities? Additionally, what are the key differences and similarities in the religious beliefs of Kura-Araxes communities across Iran, the Caucasus, and other regions within the Kura-Araxes cultural sphere? More broadly, can we definitively discuss belief systems, religion, rituals, and associated sacred spaces in relation to these communities? The forthcoming study will focus on answering these questions and addressing the stated objectives to clarify some of these ambiguities. The results indicate that while the Kura-Araxes culture and its people did not have dedicated religious spaces or distinct places for their rituals (based on current findings and evidence), it is important to consider two factors: first, the temporal span (3500–2400/2500 BCE) and the continuity of this culture; and second, the contemporary cultures, such as Uruk, which were characterized by established religious practices. Additionally, religious and ritual practices were prevalent among Bronze Age cultures. Therefore, it is unlikely that the Kura-Araxes communities were devoid of religion and rituals. However, rather than a sedentary and fixed culture, if we accept the hypothesis of the Kura-Araxes culture being semi-nomadic pastoral, then their ritual artifacts, such as figurines and hearths, were likely small and portable. Consequently, these artifacts reveal traces of their ritual beliefs, allowing us to consider ritualistic characteristics as part of this culture.

Abstract Abstract
In the early third century CE, Iran witnessed profound political and military transformations that led to the rise of one of the most significant dynasties in its history: the Sasanians. According to historical sources, Ardashir engaged in several battles to gain control over Fars, particularly its southern regions. In Sasanian archaeological studies, the powerful families of southern Fars during the transition from the Parthian to the Sasanian period have been largely overlooked. The present research aims to identify the powerful families in southern Fars based on historical evidence, addressing the following question: What archaeological data indicate the existence of local powers in southern Fars during the Parthian period? Furthermore, it examines the relationship of these families with the Parthian government and Ardashir’s methods for confronting them. This study employs a descriptive-analytical methodology, utilizing both library and field resources. Historical sources mention families such as the Nōšāzād and Sabak in Abrasās, the Milādiyān in Laristan, and powers like Haftvād in Kojārān and Sanatruq in Bahrain. Based on historical sources, military strategies, diplomacy, and alliances with Parthian families were among the key approaches used by the Sasanians to consolidate power and legitimize their rule in Iran, particularly in southern Fars. Additionally, archaeological findings confirm the presence of powerful families in southern Fars. The site of Tomb-e Bot, interpreted as a semi-royal seat during the Parthian era, is indicative of existing power structures in the region. The factors contributing to the power of these families included kinship ties with the Parthians, geopolitical position, control over trade routes, and a network of fortresses.
Keywords: Parthian Families, Sasanians, Ardashir Babakan, Southern Fars, Castle, Hormuz, Parthian Pottery.
 
1. Introduction
In the early third century CE, Iran witnessed profound political and military upheavals that led to the rise of one of the greatest dynasties in its history—the Sasanians. However, this process was neither simple nor unchallenged. Historical sources mention several battles fought by Ardashir I in southern Fars, some of which ended in his defeat. The resistance of southern Fars’ noble families against Ardashir’s advances not only highlights the presence of local power centers but also underscores their role as serious rivals to northern Fars. Although Ardashir ultimately succeeded in crushing these resistances after numerous arduous and protracted battles, thereby incorporating southern Fars—a key strategic region for controlling the Persian Gulf—into his domain, this process also reflects the political and social complexities of the era.
This study seeks to identify the powerful noble families of southern Fars based on historical evidence, addressing the following question: Which archaeological data attest to the existence of local powers in southern Fars during the Parthian period? Additionally, it examines these families’ relationship with the Parthian Empire and Ardashir’s strategies for confronting them.
Despite the significance of the transition from the Parthians to the Sasanians, independent historical and archaeological studies on southern Fars—particularly concerning its local powers—remain scarce. Existing research has largely been limited to archaeological surveys or treated the subject only peripherally within broader studies of Sasanian history. This scholarly gap underscores the need for a more detailed examination of the role played by southern Fars’ noble families in the region’s political dynamics and their interactions with the emerging Sasanian central authority. Understanding these dynamics not only enhances our comprehension of the Sasanian state formation process but may also elucidate patterns of local resistance against political centralization.
 
2. The Geopolitical Position and Role as an Intermediary Hub
The southern Fars region, which during the Sasanian period was part of Ardashir-Khwarrah (Ibn Balkhī, 2005: 132–141), encompassed a vast area along the coasts and hinterlands of the Persian Gulf. Southern Fars has always held strategic importance due to its unique connective position, serving as a bridge between the shores of the Persian Gulf and inland power centers (Fig. 1).
Additionally, the southern Zagros Mountains functioned as a natural barrier, playing a vital role in the region’s security and human geography. With their complex topography and varying elevations, these mountains formed enclosed plains surrounded by highlands, acting both as a natural defensive fortification and providing a suitable environment for the emergence of semi-autonomous and stable communities (Fig. 2).
The climatic conditions of southern Fars were another critical factor in resisting external enemies. Ibn Balkhī describes the climate of Irāhestān in southern Fars as follows: “No army can station there except during the three months of spring; in winter, they cannot remain due to rainfall and lack of pasture, and in summer, due to the extreme heat” (2005: 141). This description highlights how the region’s harsh weather posed significant challenges for foreign forces.
 
3. The Powerful Families in Southern Fars
Southern Fars under the Parthians was governed by semi-independent dynasties, though their territorial control remains unclear. Historical sources like the Kār-nāmag ī Ardašīr, Shahnameh, and al-Tabari’s History mention several local rulers in early 3rd-century CE Southern Fars (Table 1):
1. The Nōshzād in Abrasās (Jahrom) (al-Tabari 1983:582; Ferdowsi 1968, VII:146).
2. The Sabāk in Abrasās  (Ferdowsi 1968, VII:132; Mashkoor 1950:16) in Jahrom.
3. Haftvād  in Kojarān (likely in southern Iran, near Lār) (Tabari 1983:582; Ferdowsi 1968, VII:139–154; Mashkoor 1960:21–32 (Kār-nāmag; Mashkoor 1960:24)
4. Abtenbud in southern Fars (al-Tabari 1983:582; Mashkoor 1960:23–25)
5. Sanatruq in Bahrain (al-Tabari 1983:584). 
6. The Miladian House of Larestan, though absent in Ardashir’s campaigns, is noted by Nöldeke (1978: 24) as being of Parthian origin. Gorgin Milad - mentioned in the Shahnameh (Ferdowsi 1971, IX: 30-32) and later Safavid records - maintained their ruling power until 1601 CE (Fig. 3).
 
4. Archaeological Evidence of Local Powers in Southern Fars
Archaeological and historical research on the northern coasts and hinterlands of the Persian Gulf has been limited. However, the few studies conducted have identified and uncovered significant sites from the Parthian period. Among the most important sites is Tomb-e Bot in Mohr County, interpreted as a quasi-royal seat. During its second cultural phase (80–260 CE), Tappeh Bot provides some of the most significant cultural materials related to local powers in southern Fars. The artifacts discovered at the site reflect a declined courtly style of the Achaemenids by the 2nd century CE. (Askari Chaverdi, 2013: 157–193; Askari Chaverdi, 2017: 127–150).
 
5. Fortresses and Strongholds
Archaeological activities in southern Iran, particularly in southern Fars, have primarily been limited to surveys and the identification of ancient sites. Surveys in Lamerd and Mohr counties (whose results have been published) indicate that out of 76 identified sites, only 12 show evidence of Parthian occupation (Askari Chaverdi, 2013: 81–83). However, none of these sites fall within the scope of the present study.
Between 2014 and 2018, ceramics from three sites in the Sasanian Hormuz region (southern Fars) were examined: Qal’eh Golrokh (Gholami et al., 2022), Qal’eh Kopir (Ashrafi, 2017), and Tomb-e-goveh (Pasban, 2018). Studies of these ceramics confirmed traces of Parthian-period presence. Accordingly, the Hormuz region of Fars, with its eight fortresses situated on highlands and foothills across an area approximately 45 km long and 20 km wide, was selected as the study area.
The Hormuz-Fars region, corresponding to the Beyram and Chahvarz districts (Gholami & Mohammadi-Far, 2024: 62-63) in southern Fars, has revealed eight identified fortresses (Image 6). The fortresses of Faryab, Kapir, and Salavar are situated on Mount Bol, while the fortresses of Nehl, Khajagan, Golrokh, Guri, and Lid are located on the mountains of Alamarvdasht.
Studies conducted on ceramic data have led to the identification of diagnostic Parthian pottery types, such as coarse black ware with raised bands, painted, glazed, burnished, and Burnished and Polished Pottery, indicating Parthian-period settlement in the Hormuz plain.
 
6. Conclusion
The political transformations of third-century CE southern Fars, coinciding with the Parthian decline and Sasanian rise, underscore the critical role of local families in the region’s power dynamics. This study, drawing on historical and archaeological evidence, demonstrates that these local dynasts leveraged political and cultural legitimacy derived from their Parthian affiliations, claims of ancient ancestry, strategic geopolitical positions, control over trade routes, and a network of fortified castles—which continued into the Sasanian period—to resist Ardashir Babakan’s centralizing policies. Archaeological data, particularly the site of Tomb-e Bot, indicates the continuity of Achaemenid courtly traditions. The ceramic evidence from forts suggests their construction or enhancement likely occurred in the second and third centuries CE, confirming a local power base in the Hormuz region, further supported by the Parthian archer relief at Qir. Ardashir employed a combination of military force, diplomacy, and political marriages to subdue these powers, actions essential for overcoming local resistance and gaining political legitimacy. Ultimately, southern Fars was a theatre of complex political and military competition during the Parthian-Sasanian transition. The resistance of local families and the Sasanian drive for integration reflect the tension between decentralized Parthian structures and a centralized Sasanian state. Further research in southern Fars is crucial to better understand both the formation of the Sasanian empire and patterns of local resistance to centralization.

Abstract دره بمپور در جنوب شرق ایران در استان سیستان و بلوچستان قرار دارد و پیشینه مطالعات باستان شناسی در آن به دهه 30 میلادی و حضور اشتین در منطقه باز می گردد. دره بمپور یکی از مناطق مهم در جنوب شرق ایران برای درک فرایندهای فرهنگی پیش از تاریخ به حساب می آید. مطالعات جدید باستان شناسی در این منطقه شامل بررسی فراگیر باستان شناسی آن در سال 1390 است که در آن 122 محوطه از ادوار مختلف فرهنگی شناسایی شد که 48 محوطه آن مربوط به دوران مس سنگی است که مهمترین محوطه آن تپه چاه حسینی می باشد. علاوه بر آن 47 محوطه کوچک و بزرگ دیگر با اندازه های مختلف نیز شناسایی شد که وجه اشتراک بیشتر آنها حضور سفالهای یحیی VA علاوه بر سفالهای محلی، سفال علی آباد و نوع میری کلات II است که تاریخ آنها به 4500 تا 3600 پیش از میلاد باز میگردد که این تاریخ گزاری بر اساس مطالعات جدید باستان شناسی در نقاط همسایه با دشت بمپور همچون کرمان و مکران است. محوطه های مس سنگی شناسایی شده غالبا اندازه های کوچک کمتر از سه هکتار داشتند. برای درک برخی پیچیدگی های تصمیم سازی در این جوامع محوطه ها با استفاده از نرم افزار آماری SPSS به سه گروه تقسیم شدند و سپس با استفاده از سایر روشهای سنجش آماری فاصله آنها از یکدیگر نیز سنجیده شد که نهایتا ارتباط معنا داری میان اندازه محوطه ها و سلسع مراتب آنها را نشان میداد.

For a better understanding of the various aspects of complexity and site size hierarchy, the relationship between site size and the distance of each site from the others was analyzed using SPSS. Consequently, the correlation between them was calculated by Pearson R and regression tests. Ultimately, this analysis demonstrates that examining distances and sizes is meaningful.

Abstract The Silakhor Plain is one of the key plains in the eastern part of Central Zagros that its suitable environment made a significant base for human habitants since prehistoric time. This plain is located in the east of Nahavand and Kangavar valleys and it is about 70 km length and 12 km width besides the east of Oshterankooh range between Broujerd and Dorrod cities in Luristan province. In the past decades, over 700 ancient sites from Neolithic to the Islamic era were identified by Parviz (1382-1385). Since then, no detaile anaysis have been done on the settlement patterns of this region. In this study, only settlement patterns of the Bronze Age in this area evaluated based on the fifty-one settelements from Silakhor Plain to undestand effictive parameters on site vriabilities, distributions and types by means of GIS. The initial results outlined some of the key geographic factors affecting settlement variabilities. Among the geographical features, Tireh and Chalanchulan Riveres, springs, tributary streams, fertile lands, degree of land slope, ancient roads and proximity to geological faults were the most effective reasons. Based on those key factors, six kinds of settlement patterns have been identified in the region that will be discussed in this paper.

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.

Abstract Ghorban Tower as an architectural monument is one of the outstanding resting- place of Islamic era in Hamadan city which has not been studied properly. Previous studies on the Tower concerning its architectural features or its historical background showed that the Tower may be a place where a dignified religious man named Khajeh Hafez Abol'ala Hamadani berried inside in Saljuk era and afterward the Dome itself was built on his grave by Ilkhanids. Our comparative study indicated that the Tower is only work survived from a large complex including school, monastery, library, tomb etc. It has been built by the power of Ilkhanids probably due to guard the name and memory of a religious leader in one of the regions of Hamadan called Sarbarzeh and Bab-Al-Asad which was referred to in the historical texts of the Islamic middle age.  

Abstract The ancient hills are the human’s close and far activities sense. These places may be the transit camp survivors or ruins towns or villages. This paper studies the archaeology of the ancient hill of Meymanabad using micromorphology methods. This hill situated in Robat Kareem_in South-East village called Meymantabad. The result has showed that before the establishment of the site occupations there have been a warm and wetter conditions througout the region.  According to the cubic microscopic structure that is the region natural examples index, a period lack of establishment from point E to point D has occurred.  The point C is the latest cultural point and after this there are no cultural effects. In fact, what makes this civilization wiped out was the river flooding of Shadchay River resulted in the destruction of the site and caused the peoples to abandon their settlement areas.  

Abstract It was constructed a palace, at 4th cent B.C, at the summit of Persepolis with a broad portico and staircase before "Hadish" courtyard that has not been remained except parts of the stair way. The ruins scattering caused documentation and organizing project at 1384, in coordination with Parseh Research Foundation when there were recovered some evidence to identify that the original and preliminary plan of the staircase needed some rectification which is discussed in detail here, based on records and documents.

Abstract The isotopic analysis solves many important issues in archeology and anthropology including the reconstruction of past diets, tracing the footsteps of the ancient migrations and recognition of climate change. Stable isotope analysis has been applied in archaeology during the last three decades to address questions regarding the paleoclimatology, palaeodietary and palaeomobility. In this research, we focus on the human skeleton remains of Iron Age cemetery of Gohar Tepe, using Strontium stable isotope analysis to reconstruction the aspects of the past mobility. At the same time we tried to identify the geographical origin of people that buried in residential areas or ancient cemeteries. This approach in a geological region could make a substantial contribution to assess various aspects including migration models, cultural changes, colonialism and trade. Also research related to the palaeomigration has long been done by different analytical methods. Gohar Tepe is one of the areas that able to respond multiple questions about social and cultural developments of Iron Age in northern Iran. Tooth samples obtained from skeletons of the mentioned site where studied through Strontium isotope ratio (87Sr/86Sr) were used to address the question of whether the skeletons are local or non-local. Result of 87Sr/86Sr revealed that six of samples could be considered as local and five others to have been c as non-local.

Abstract Chah?rmah?l-o-Bakhtiy?r? Province has an area of some one percent of the area of Iran and is situated in the northern basin of Karun river, which is one of the most vital flows of the south-west Iran. For various reasons, the region has been ignored in the national archeological studies. In a quick glance, the present study seeks to show the significance of the findings obtained in the course of two decades of archeological surveys conducted by the Iranian and foreign researchers. Offering some generalities of the related archeological facts, the article aims to attract the attention of researchers, experts and those interested in the Iranian archeological studies to this not-very known region. It hopes to open new horizons into the purposeful scientific surveys which aim at the examination of the developmental stages of human societies in the mountainous area of Chah?rmah?l-o-Bakhtiy?r?.

Abstract Archaeological investigations on the soil of archaeological sites indicates that human settlement and residence in a particular area, may lead to enrichment of certain elements such as phosphorus, magnesium, calcium and potassium, due to the production of rubbish, waste, domestic and industrial waste and many other cases. Investigation the range of elements in the soils, make it possible to identify different types of activities that have been carried out in the ancient times. In this research we selected Tape Zaghe to evaluate and identify some particular places in this mound during the Chalcolithic period. Through a field survey classified soil samples have been extracted from different layers of its settlement. For elemental analysis of samples we used «XRF» method and for the classification of elements, multivariate statistical methods were performed. The analysis of samples showed high concentration of some elements in the different parts of the Zaghe site. By comparing elemental concentrations of the samples as well as control samples that were taken from the different parts of the mound, we could identify the places that some special activities for example cooking of pottery, food preparation and consumption and burial practice were accomplished. Finding out the process of starting various specialized production activities in Chalcolithic society of Zaghe would lead to the proposition that the deep social and economic changes occurred in Zaghe from Neolithic to Chalcolithic as the particular activity places of Chalcolithic Zaghe indicated.      

Abstract Achaemenid glazed bricks of archaeological excavation of Tall-e-Ajori in Persepolis city were studied by multiple instrumental analysis methods  such as XRF, XRD, SEM-EDS, ICP and Optical microscopy to identify the compositional features of glaze and brick body. Glaze samples are apparently white and yellow  and this phenomenon are caused by the deterioration processes in burial environment, hence optical microscopic studies on the glaze layer determined blue areas on the white substrate and, high sensitivity quantitative analysis detected copper and cobalt as the producer of blue color ions, and Sb and Pb as the producer of yellow color ions. Due to instability of glaze chromofore elements such as Cu and Sb in temperatures higher than 1000⁰C, the reported elements show that, glazed bricks should be fired less in than 1000⁰C.
The quantitative elemental analysis results are compared with the elemental analysis of Susa glazed samples of Apadana palace.
 

Abstract Mehran Plain is located in the cultural region of South West Iran. Studying the geographic location of this region in relation to the formation of early states is important. The cultural materials of Chogha‌ Ahowan in Mehran plain would explain the process of urbanization and Cultural interactions of this region with its neighbors. According to the surveys conducted to collect necessary pottery materials from the simultaneous adjacent areas, potteries of trench II attributed to the early urbanization and urbanization period were classified and analyzed. These potteries on the basis of forms are divided into seven groups including jar, crock, bowl, tray, spout vessels, handle vessels and miniature vessels. Based on the typology and the characteristics of each pottery type we tried to represent a clear result of the pottery industry for the area during the early urbanization and urbanization periods.  

Abstract Tepe Giyan, which situated in Nihavand city, is one the most important and the first excavated sites in the cultural-geographical zone of Central Zagros. Excavations in this site had been conducted in 1931-32 with the nonscientific methods to discover the antique and precious objects. During excavation, cultural material and remnants from various periods of prehistoric deposits of Giyan were found and were assigned to have been as the basic for the chronology of the region. The considerable assemblage of Tepe Giyan was housed in Moghadam Museum of University of Tehran. In this paper, 20 intact pottery vessels of this assemblage were selected with the aim of introducing, typology, and offering comparative chronology. Also, the study of this assemblage prepared the appropriate opportunity to scrutiny and re-identifying the chronology of cultural periods at Tepe Giyan. In order to gaining the mentioned aims, all indications of 20 intact vessels were studied and documented for typological and chronological debates. According to the physical characteristics of poterries such as shape of vessels, diagram and style of paintings, Giyan were compared with other corresponding sites, and finally the relative chronology of assemblage was suggested. As a result, all vessels of Moghadam Museum assemblage belong to the middle and late Bronze Age and transition period from Bronze to Iron Age.

Abstract Ancient metallurgy is one of the technological processes were seen from discovered natural native copper in Tappeh Zagheh (6^th millennium B.C.). It was continued progressively in Tappeh Ghabrestan (5-4^th millennium B.C.) by melting, molding and alloy-making followed by Iron technology in Tappeh Sagzabad (1^st millennium B.C.). This research aims to investigate the archaeometallurgy of Qazvin Plain in Iron Age II period through studying the metal samples discovered from the Iron Age burials of Sagzabad. Analytical approached such as ICP-MS, SEM-EDX and metallography were used for alloy identification and provenance studies as well as microstructure analysis and metalworking technology. Chemical and microstructure analysis of the samples demonstrates the presence of basic copper alloy with high percent of nickel, cobalt, Iron and some other elements which reveals an uncontrolled technology. It also shows that samples have been treated with hard-working followed by annealing. Results of trace element analysis of burial samples revealed that there could be a same provenance for most of them, but a notable point is the presence of two metalworking technologies with different metallurgy level and different provenance in the late 2^st millennium B.C. and early 1^st millennium B.C. (Iron Age II) in Qazvin Plain.

Abstract During 2007 archaeological survey of Little Zab River in Sardasht district in NW Iran, 6 typical Uruk (Uruk Related) sites have been brought to light. One of the important one is Tepe Badamyar Rabat with typical Beveled Rim Bowl pottery that is considered as first Uruk evidence in NW Iran. In addition to Rabat, the Uruk materials found in Tepe Baghi, Tepe Waliv, Tepe Molla Yousef, Tepe Lavin and Tepe Goman would provide the opportunity for studying on one millennium gap between Hasanlu VIIIA (Pisdeli) and VIIC (Kura-Araxes) in southern parts of the Lake Urmia region. This gap is considered as main vague issue in archaeology of NW Iran. The Uruk evidence in the mentioned sites mainly belongs to Middle and Late Uruk periods (3600/3500-3100 BC). These new finding not only establish good opportunity for revising NW Iran chronological framework but provide good base for studying inter-regional relationship of NW Iran communities with south and northern Mesopotamian societies during  the 4th millennium BC. This article is trying to introduce fresh typical Uruk sites in southern part of the Lake Urmia with detailed emphasis on new pottery, lithic and special finds of Tepe Badamyar Rabat. Also the present paper is intended to deal with the Uruk cultural influences in NW Iran, proposing a chronological framework for the period concerned and to discuss interregional relationship with adjacent region.

Abstract Sea shells are natural-biological objects. They are embedded in geological layers in the form of fossils, but also, to find in archaeological deposits as a result of human activities. Archaeologists can use the provenance of shells in the functional analysis of ancient sites in terms of social archeology and prehistoric trading activities. Aarcheological excavations in several sites of the Iranian Plateau have shown that from the 3^rd third millennium B.C. onwards, finds of of sea shells (e.g. Lambis, Dentalium, etc.) rapidely increased. Such shells were for instance discovered from ritual cemetery contexts such as Shahdad, Tepe Hesar, Kale Nisar cemeteries or Bani Surma. These objects are mainly used as natural or polished shells. In some cases, they served as a raw material for making all kinds of beads, buttons, and other ornamental objects.. The main question is to understand the relationship between the use of seashells and archaeological context, and also, their role in Bronze Age ritual life. In this article, the descriptive, analytical method has been used in the biological recognition of all types of shells. This method is also used based on similar studies on this issue in Mesopotamia's archeology of the Sumerian-Akkadian period. The distribution of recognizable species shows that these objects are concentrated in the settlements from south to southeast of Iran in the coastal strip of the Persian Gulf, and from the Oman Sea to the Zagros intermountain valleys, as well as in the northwest and northeast of Iran. The biological origin can be placed in the northern shores of the Oman Sea to the Gulf of Kutch on the northern coast of the Indian Ocean. It seems that with the growth and development of urbanization in Southwest Asia and especially the development of sea trade, oysters have been traded as valuable goods and other prestige goods. The importance of the shell findings is more than the value of the shells themselves because they were used as sacred goods in religious affairs. Analysis of the fields where the shells were discovered is more related to cemeteries and temples as sacred spaces. Also, the significant presence of Lambis shells for the production of specific ritual bowls, placed together with bronze axes in graves, can be seen as the reflection of a patriarchic tradition in the social-political organisiation of the third and second millennia B.C. Despite many excavations and the discovery of many samples of these types of shells, no furthergoing investigation on these specific objects was undertaken so far. This desideratum reveals more valuable findings in the archeology of the Iranian plateau. Therefore, one of this article's final goals is to focus more on analyzing the context of the discovery of seashells in future Excavation

Abstract The paper concerns with an investigation of beginnings and evolution of female figures on the cylinder seals of ancient Susiana plain during the middle of 4th millennium up to the end of 2nd millennium B.C. The female figures on the cylinder seals considered according to archaeological contexts and situations as independent variable according to which the visual qualities of them has been tested. Assuming an existential co-relation between archaeological situations and the modes of female figures, it is suggested that by transforming the first, the latter would be transformed actively as well. For discovering the meanings entangled with female figures on ancient Susiana cylinder seals, the enactive semiotics is applied. Accordingly, female figures on the cylinder seals and sealings are classified and described in terms of their spatiotemporal contexts. The major groups are female-related a, female-related b, crafting scenes, collective scenes and ritual scenes. The paper based on descriptive-analytical classification of data according to iconographic attributes, based on a theoretic examination of related archaeological evidence. The results show that womanity on-the cylinder seals have always been a dynamic phenomenon, depending on its historical and archaeological status.
 

Abstract Taj Amir Cemetery is located in southern side of Dena Mountain and east of Yasouj city in Kohgiluyeh and Boyerahmad Province. The cemetery was discovered in 2009 during the construction of Yasuj medical university. About 7 hectares of cemetery were destroyed and only 3 hectares remained intact. During an excavation project 16 graves were explored in the north of cemetery and geophysical survey to distinguish the extent of graveyards carried out in an about 2 ha. The most important structural features of the graves include, using rabble stone inside the chamber, placing a large stone in the southern parts of the graves as a symbol as well as constructing an entrance to the burial chamber. Pottery, bronze and stone objects were placed near the body might be functioned as burial gifts. According to archaeological evidence it seems probable that Taj Amir Cemetery may be related to the nomadic populations of about 2000 B.C. The present report summarizes the findings during the 1^st season of excavation carried out in this cemetery.

Abstract The analyses and interpretations of archaeological findings and historical texts of the Sassanid period have not yielded satisfactory results in some cases despite extensive evidence. The plastered motifs of Bandian Fire Temple in Dargaz are still unknown despite many years of archaeological excavations and reports. Designed around the entrance hall, these motifs include images of hunting, battles of riders, victory (defeating the enemy), religious ceremonies, meetings of kings, coronation, and banquets. They actually reconstruct the story of the Hephthalites' invasion of Iran during the reign of Bahram V and their defeat by Iranians. However, some of the scenes and characters in this hall have not been analyzed and interpreted properly. By presenting well-documented evidence using historical and iconographical texts in the plastered motifs, this study evaluates and recognizes some of the scenes and images in order to provide a clearer picture of a historical narrative.

Abstract Almost a century and a half ago, the name or concept of archeology was not commonly known in Iran. As a branch of human sciences, archeology emerged in Iran as a consequence of the political-economic influence of the West, and reached its present condition after many vicissitudes; presently, therefore, archeology has penetrated into diverse levels of the Iranian society. This, however, is a very general statement; by a survey on the overall outlook of archeology in Iran, it is very much noticed that there is the need for a criticism, which is by itself something natural. Concerning the definitions given to archeology as a word, a field, or a craft, several cultural layers can be distinguished at the present time: common people who constitute the major corpus of the society; educated people who are not archeologists; politicians and lords of media, mainly those of the radio and television who represent the political system, and finally the Iranian archeological society, which includes university professors and students and those working in the field. With a view to the general cultural, social and historical conditions in Iran, it is expected that there be differences and similarities among the above four classes in terms of their interpretation of archeology, awareness of which can be useful and serve as a source of warning for the Iranian archeology and the archeological society of Iran.

Abstract Dichotomy is a serious obstacle in archaeological studies; it is a problem all fields of human, social and historical knowledge and even natural sciences are faced with. However, in archaeology, especially prehistoric archaeology, this problem is followed with practical difficulties and epistemological failures as well. What is referred to as archaeological evidences are all wordless, distorted, and shattered into pieces which must be archaeologically organized, joined, structured, repaired, described, written, interpreted, analyzed, represented, reconstructed or conceptually, mentally and virtually reconstructed so that we can extract some kind of archaeological meaning and significance out of its material body despite its limitations and imperfections; an understanding that is not quite unrelated with the past events.
By raising the key issue of style and symbol, the present paper attempts to study the possibility or impossibility of obtaining this goal in archaeological researches.
The archaeological relics, when interpreted and analyzed semantically within a systematic methodology suitable to the subjects under study, can help build a bridge over to the conceptual systems, mental performances and forgotten desolate behaviours of ancient societies and populations. For this reason, the present paper has chosen the style and symbol like a bridge between the archaeological visible evidences and data and the past frozen conceptions and behaviours as its main topic.