Journal of Archaeological Studies

Study on the Effects of the Mid-Holocene Climatic Changes on Sialk III Societies in North Central Iran Based on Environmental Sedimentology of Mafin Abad, Islamshahr

Babak Shaikh Baikloo Islam; Ahmad Chaychi Amirkhiz; Hamidreza Valipour; Reza Safaierad

Volume 12, Issue 3 , December 2020, , Pages 143-166

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2021.239133.142465

Abstract

The archaeological site of Mafin Abad, located in the central part of Islamshahr city and 3 Km to the south of Mafin Abad village, was excavated under the supervision of Ahmad Chaychi ... Read More The archaeological site of Mafin Abad, located in the central part of Islamshahr city and 3 Km to the south of Mafin Abad village, was excavated under the supervision of Ahmad Chaychi Amirkhiz in two seasons in 2005 and 2006 (Maps 1-2). Moreover, they have dug some trenches around the site for environmental sedimentology. Findings concerning prehistoric pottery in Mafin Abad are contemporary with cultural periods of Sialk II to Sialk III4-5. However, a few pieces of pottery belonging to Sialk III6-7b are found as well. Sedimentological data shows that a layer of dense sedimentary soil, on a grey and black layer, is covered by Sialk III4-5 pottery, which suggests flood events of an ancient river near the site. Mafin Abad had probably changed to a basin catchment for a relatively long time. Paleoclimate studies show that despite the overall optimum climatic conditions during the Mid-Holocene in the westerly-dominated regions in West Asia, this period is punctuated by episodic dry spells, particularly during the fourth millennium BC. Such abrupt climate variability has probably been accompanied by extreme weather events, such as severe droughts and torrential rains which have potentially led to river overflows and massive floodings in the plains and alluvial fans. Detachments in habitats of the Tehran Plain in the late Sialk III4-5 period and the reduction of settlements in Sialk III6-7b and Sialk IV periods, and then, the cultural decline of the Bronze Age in North Central Iran, may be associated with the climate changes during the latter half of the Mid-Holocene. Due to its special geographical location, the effect of the air circulation system, subtropical high pressure, and other factors, Iran generally has a semi-arid to the arid climate and a semi-desert to desert nature. The cultural region of North Central Iran overlaps with two large basins of the Salt Lake and the western part of the Central Desert. Most of the prehistoric sites belong to the Salt Lake basin. In this part, several sub-basins are resulting from the permanent rivers of Jajroud, Karaj, Qarachay, and Qomroud. The mentioned rivers and their branches have formed the main pattern of human settlements since the Neolithic period in the cultural region, because these human societies needed sufficient water resources for permanent settlement and agriculture and animal husbandry, as well as industrial activities and, finally, the formation of government and civilization. Climatic changes have had devastating environmental effects, disrupting the development and cultural transformation of ancient societies; Severe hurricanes, heavy rainfall, severe prolonged droughts, heat waves, and cold spells are some of the outcomes of climate change. Climate change in arid and vulnerable regions such as North Central Iran has had dire consequences for water-based human communities. The archaeological site of Mafin Abad, located in the central part of Islamshahr city and 3 km to the south of Mafin Abad village, was excavated under the supervision of Ahmad Chaychi Amirkhiz in 2005 and 2006. Prehistoric pottery found from the layers of Tepe Mafin Abad was contemporary with cultural periods of Sialk II to Sialk III4-5. Also, a few pieces of pottery belonging to Sialk III6-7b were found on the surface. it is worth mentioning that the area of this site at the time of the excavations was 5.5 hectares, which was one of the largest settlements in North Central Iran in the Chalcolithic Age. During the excavations, six trenches were also excavated for environmental sedimentology around Tepe Mafin Abad called A to F. The A to C trenches were dug in the western part of the hill, side by side, along the northwest, at a distance of approximately 10 meters from each other. Also, Trench D was excavated in the southwest, Trench E in the south, and Trench F in the southeast of the site. The main question of this study was about how the environmental changes in this area in the chalcolithic period. We also sought to answer the questions of whether climatic events and natural hazards contributed to the decline of the prehistoric cultures of North Central Iran? What were the climatic conditions of the Chalcolithic Age (4200-3000 BC) like? This research is based on environmental sedimentology studies of the prehistoric site of Mafin Abad, Islamshahr (Figurs. 1-2). The stratigraphic report of each of the excavated sedimentary trenches along with the features and contents of each layer are presented in full. Also, to analyze the findings, archaeological information of the Chalcolithic Age of North Central Iran and paleoclimate research of Greenland (GISP2), Iran, and neighboring regions have been examined. The Middle Holocene covers approximately 8200 to 4200 years ago. This period in the cultural region of North Central Iran includes the cultural periods of Sialk I, II, III, and IV. Although in the first half of the Middle Holocene, in general, warm climatic conditions (in different areas with a decrease or increase in humidity) prevailed, but from about the beginning of the fourth millennium to the second half of the third millennium BC, frequently, abrupt climate change has occurred, causing severe droughts or torrential rains in various regions. Flood-based sedimentary strata in the ancient cities of Ur, Shurupak, and Kish in Mesopotamia from the mid-fourth millennium BC to the early third millennium BC may indicate the occurrence of climatic hazards associated with climate change. This evidence has been obtained from the C and D sedimentological trenches of Mafin Abad site belonging to the mid-fourth millennium BC. Paleoclimate research in Lake Maharlou in Fars province shows a very dry period between 3700 to 3500 BC. Studies of Lake Neor in Ardebil province determine a significant increase in drought and dust flux during the fourth millennium BC. Proxies of Lake Kongor in the Gorgan plain show the dry conditions from about 3700 BC to the end of the fourth millennium BC. The results of research in Katalekhor Cave in Zanjan indicate the existence of dry conditions in the early and late centuries of the fourth millennium BC. Also, high-resolution paleoclimate research of Soreq Cave shows the very dry climatic conditions between 3700 and 3600 BC (Figur. 3).In the archaeological studies of North Central Iran, it is clear from the datings of most sites, except for a few, that habitation in them lasted until the late Sialk III4-5 and the early Sialk III6-7b, and other sites, since the Sialk III6-7b are set up. In sites that, according to the systematic survey, have pottery of all layers of Sialk III, it is impossible to assume with complete certainty the continuity without interruption of dwelling. According to sedimentological studies, in Trench D, a thick, dense layer of sediment (3.5 m thick) covered a layer of gray soil with Sialk III4-5 pottery, which probably indicates the flooding of an ancient river near this site (Figurs. 1-2). Paleoclimate studies show that despite the overall optimum climatic conditions during the Mid-Holocene in the westerly-dominated regions in West Asia, this period is punctuated by episodic dry spells, particularly during the fourth millennium BC. Such abrupt climate variability has probably been accompanied by extreme weather events, such as severe droughts and torrential rains which have potentially led to rivers overflowing and sink the plains and alluvial fans. The settlement gap in the Chalcolithic villages of the Tehran Plain in the late Sialk III4-5 period and the decreasing trend of settlements in Sialk III6-7b and Sialk IV periods, and then, the cultural decline of the Bronze Age in North Central Iran may have been related with the climate changes during the second half of the Mid-Holocene. It is worth noting, according to archaeological studies in Alborz and Qazvin provinces, the number of bronze and iron age settlements in these areas is more than Tehran plain. So we can say that probably the abrupt climate change of the late Middle Holocene has changed the pattern and spatial distribution of settlements in the western part of the cultural region of North Central Iran, and shifted the settlement from arid to semi-arid areas and more favorable climates. Environmental sedimentology in archaeological sites can acquaint us with natural events and climate change in antiquity. The results of these studies can also be effective in understanding the causes of cultural changes in prehistoric societies. This study identifies the climatic conditions of the fourth millennium BC and the dry climatic events of the Chalcolithic era and reveals the destructive effects of natural hazards associated with climate change. So far, no research has been conducted with the approach of studying climatic events in the decline of Sialk III culture in North Central Iran.

Large stone graves of Azerbaijan, according to new result of Zrdkhaneh study

Mehdi Kazempour; Behrouz Omrani; Reza Rezaloo

Volume 4, Issue 1 , July 2012, , Pages 155-174

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2012.35380

Abstract

The most important characteristics of the occupants of the second millennium BC in northern Iran and its adjacent regions such as the provinces of East Azerbaijan, Ardabil, Azerbaijan ... Read More

Color and Polychromy in Sasanian Rock Reliefs

Negin Miri

Volume 14, Issue 1 , June 2022, , Pages 155-181

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2021.324008.143022

Abstract

Sasanians created more than thirty rock reliefs during their reign, most of which are loacated in their homeland of Pars. The study of Sasanian monumental rock reliefs has a long tradition ... Read More Sasanians created more than thirty rock reliefs during their reign, most of which are loacated in their homeland of Pars. The study of Sasanian monumental rock reliefs has a long tradition and these fascinating monuments have been subject of scrutiny from many different perspectives. Nevertheless, one major issue still remains relatively unattended: how did these reliefs appear to ancient viewers? This broad question can be considered from at least two different angles: firstly, the relationship between the reliefs and their built and natural environment and secondly the original appearance of the reliefs, which now appear as grey rocky surfaces to us, when they were created and during their time of splendor. While the issue of polychromy in the Achaemenid rock art and architecture has been subject of intensive studies, apart from few brief references, this subject has not attracted much attention among scholars of Sasanian art and archaeology. Were these monuments decorated with color in their original form? If so, what colors were most commonly used? Can we reconstruct the colorful appearance of these reliefs? While empirical evidence of coloring has not been thoroughly documented on Sasanian reliefs yet, examination of several literary evidence as well as application of polychromy in other forms of Sasanian art, such as wall paintings, textiles, mosaics and stucco decorations can provide valuable indirect data on the subject and elucidate the Sasanian palette. Based on a such variety of evidence, as well as the long tradition of polychromy in ancient Iran at least from the Neo-Elamite period up to the Qajar era, it seems fairly rational that Sasanian rock reliefs were indeed colorful images standing out against their rocky background. Considering the close relation between three domains of wall painting, stucco decorating and rock reliefs, colorful appearance of Sasanian rock reliefs can be reasonably reconstructed

Archaeological Evidence for the Chronology and Occupation Processes of Jondishapur City

mohammad saeidpour; KARIM HAJEZADEH; REZA REZALO; HASAN KARIMYAN

Volume 9, Issue 2 , April 2018, , Pages 103-121

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2018.211719.142309

Abstract

Jundishapur is one of the towns with a rectangular plan, built by Shapur I in the north of the Kuzistan close to the Mansor River and like Bishapur, on one side is limited to the river, ... Read More

Human Ecology and Village Settlements in Northern Central Plateau of Iran

Farshid Mosadeghi Amini; Hekmatollah Molla Salehi

Volume 7, Issue 1 , March 2015, , Pages 107-126

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2015.56681

Abstract

Human- environment interaction is among the subject matters explored by human ecology with the help of natural sciences based on anthropological and archaeological perspectives in an ... Read More

Archaeometric and Restoration Studies on a Selection of Copper-Base Artifacts from a Late Bronze Age Site of Bazgir, Gorgan Plain, Northern Iran

Marzieh Moslehi; Mahnaz Abdollah-Khan Gorji; Nima Nezafati; Jebreil Nokandeh; Ghorbanali Abbassi

Volume 6, Issue 1 , September 2014, , Pages 111-128

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2014.52679

Abstract

Tappeh Bazgir is located 76km northeast of Torang Tappeh at the eastern fringes of the Gorgan plain. The metal hoard was discovered in 2001 and excavated in 2010. The hoard is composed ... Read More

A Study on the Subterranean Burials of the Sāmen (Malayer) rocky Architectural Complex

Yaghoub Mohamadifar; esmail hemati Azandaryai; Ali Khaksar; Farzad Fooruzanfar

Volume 7, Issue 2 , December 2016, , Pages 117-129

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2015.57751

Abstract

The handmade subterranean architectural structure is a special kind of architecture that is in its creation does not require any construction materials but it needs many efforts and ... Read More

An Introductory Approach to the Archaeological Record

Hassan Fazeli Nashli; Nadereh Abedi

Volume 1, Issue 1 , January 2009, , Pages 119-133

Abstract

The archaeological record is an insufficiently defined concept. The concept is used by archaeologists as a model for their evidence. As a model, it brings metaphysical implications ... Read More

The Presence of Elamites in the Northern Kuzistan Based on Archaeological Data from Tepe Senjar Excavation (from Proto-Elamite to Shimashki Period)

alireza sardari; Samira Attarpour

Volume 10, Issue 2 , January 2019, , Pages 119-138

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2018.201768.142266

Abstract

The rise of Elamite culture and its state formation on the southwestern Iran, beside historical resources, is an archaeologically problem due to the lower discovered evidences during ... Read More

Reassessment of the Chronology of Ziwiyeh Remains

Amir Sā’èd Mūcheshi

Volume 1, Issue 2 , February 2010, , Pages 121-141

Abstract

The archaeologists who have investigated Ziwiyeh have presented different views about the constructors of material culture and its artistic styles. The majority of them, relying on ... Read More

Archaeological Analysis of Sassanid Sites in Khomein

Seyed Mehdi Mousavinia Mousavinia

Volume 4, Issue 2 , February 2013, , Pages 123-140

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2013.32123

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 ... Read More

Settlement Patterns of the Late and Middle Bronze Age Sites of Sarfirouzabad Plain of Kermanshah, West Central Zagros, Iran

Mohammad Amin Mirghaderi; Parasto Hosseini; Sajad Alibeigi; Meisam Nikzad

Volume 5, Issue 1 , December 2013, , Pages 127-144

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2013.35948

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 ... Read More

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A laboratory Analysis on a Seljuk Leather Bottle Found from Qhalee Kooh-i Qaen Excavation

Alireza Koochakzaei; Hossein Ahmadi; Mohsen Mohammadi Achachluei

Volume 5, Issue 2 , March 2014, , Pages 129-143

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2014.50400

Abstract

Leather artifacts have organic and degradable structure and some historic samples have remained from different historical periods. Studies of these scarce specimens have a great importance ... Read More

The First Yue Celadon in Iran and its Distribution Pattern in the Early Islamic Period

Mahsa Faizi; Firoz Mahjour

Volume 6, Issue 2 , March 2015, , Pages 131-148

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2015.54179

Abstract

Celadon as one of the oldest potteries originated at China during the Shang Period (3500 B.C (in Zhejiang province. From the Han dynasty (206-221 A.D), true celadon ware started to ... Read More

Middle Elamite Archaeological Evidence in the Upper Karun Basin

Yaghub Mohamadifar; Kazem Mollazade; aliasghar noruzi

Volume 8, Issue 2 , March 2017, , Pages 131-150

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2017.61773

Abstract

Archaeological evidence has witnessed that the presence of the Zagros foothill's habitants in the development of Middle Elamite period. Despite several new archaeological researches ... Read More

Relative and Absolute Dating of TePe Sagzābad, Qazvin Plain

Hasan Fāzeli Nashli; Hojjat Dārābi; Yūsef Fallāhiyān; reza naseri

Volume 3, Issue 1 , July 2011, , Pages 133-158

Abstract

Sagz?b?d Mound was one of the first areas excavated in the course of archeological surveys conducted by the University of Tehran in Qazvin Plain. Findings indicate its permanent establishment ... Read More

Experimental Studies on Alloy Composition and Microstructure of some Bronze Objects from Iron Age Site of Baba Jilan, Luristan

Omid Oudbashi; Ata Hasanpour

Volume 8, Issue 1 , April 2016, , Pages 133-149

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2016.59499

Abstract

Applications of bronze alloy to produce different decorative and ritual objects have been commonplace during the Iranian Iron Age. A large number of bronze objects from the second and ... Read More

An Analytical Approach to the Study of Chalcolithic Data from the Harsin Plain

Volume 9, Issue 1 , August 2017, , Pages 133-149

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2017.64009

Abstract

One of the main goals of Harsin archaeological survey in the Gamasiab River Basin has been to understand the cultural relations of the basin with the adjacent plains and areas during ... Read More

The Fortifications Networks of Isfahan and their Influence on the Longevity of the Urban Settlements at the Rostaq of Jay

Ali Shojaee Esfahani

Volume 11, Issue 1 , May 2019, , Pages 133-152

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2019.71102

Abstract

Numerous castles and fortifications overlooking the plain dot the surrounding heights of Isfahan. This fortification network provided protection and particularly had control over the ... Read More

Investigating and Prioritizing the Centrality (political) of Qajar Period Castle Settlements in Sistan Region of Iran Using the ANP Model

Mohammad Ebrahim Zarei; SeyyedRasool MousaviHaji; Naghmeh Behboodi

Volume 11, Issue 2 , October 2019, , Pages 133-152

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2019.73111

Abstract

Investigating and prioritizing the centrality (political) of the Qajar fortified settlements areas in Sistan region of Iran requires studying effective environmental factors (natural ... Read More

Absolute (14C AMS) and Relative Chronologies of Barveh Tepe in the Upper Lesser Zab Basin and a Study of Painted Bronze Age Ceramics(Based on the Second Season Excavation)

Mahnaz Sharifi; Barbara Helwing

Volume 15, Issue 2 , December 2023, , Pages 133-153

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2024.360950.143217

Abstract

Excavations in Tepe Barveh were conducted with the aim to shed further light on the period of painted Bronze Age wares and to refine the existing chronology for the Lesser Zab Basin ... Read More

A Study on the Parthian Pithos Cemeteries in the Western Bank of the Little Zab River in Sardasht, North-West Iran.

salah salimi; Mostafa Dehpahlavan; Hossein Davoudi

Volume 10, Issue 1 , August 2018, , Pages 135-153

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2018.226461.142390

Abstract

Sardasht is a mountainous region consisting of wide valleys in northern Zagros Mountains. In the field studies carried out on the western bank of the Little Zab River, there were found ... Read More

Sassanian Pottery of Tesmijan, Kashan: A Study of Surface Materials

Samaneh Asgarnezhad; Mohsen Javeri

Volume 12, Issue 4 , May 2021, , Pages 143-163

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2021.309750.142924

Abstract

The historical site of Tesmijan, 300 hectares in area, is located northeast of Kashan city. According to archaeological data, this site was used during the Iron Age, Parthian, Sassanid, ... Read More

Ivan-E- Karkheh: The Spatial Structure, Form and Function with Reference to the Archeological Data

Hassan Karimian; Gholamali Baghban Koochak

Volume 3, Issue 2 , February 2012, , Pages 149-172

Abstract

The information obtained from written sources, archaeological limited surface excavations and surveys as well as environmental studies in Sassanid towns have made their spatial characteristics ... Read More

Archaeological Analysis of Shaved Stones in Harsin Region Cemeteries, Kermanshah Province

mohammad eghbal chehri; safora sabzian poor

Volume 13, Issue 2 , September 2021, , Pages 149-173

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2020.293332.142811

Abstract

According to archeological studies, there are a number of cemeteries in the county of Harsin, which on their surface there are bas reliefs and carved stones from the historical period ... Read More

Volume 16 (2024)

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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