Journal of Archaeological Studies

Vigol and Harāskān, Two Cities; A Study Based on Archaeological Data in Transformation from Sassanid Era to the Islamic Period Relying Upon Archeological Data

Hassan Karimiyān; Mohsen Jāveri

Volume 1, Issue 2 , February 2010, , Pages 63-83

Abstract

The vast ancient area of Vigol located in the northern part of the city of ?r?n-o-Bidgol was identified by the authors of the present article in Autumn 2006 and underwent a systematic ... Read More

Parthian Presence in the Southern Regions of the Persian Gulf Alireza Khosro Zadeh

Alireza Khosro Zadeh

Volume 4, Issue 2 , February 2013, , Pages 63-81

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2013.32120

Abstract

Despite the lack of a clear understanding of the relationships of eastern and southeastern Arabia with different Iranian regions during pre-Sassanian era and the paucity of written ... Read More

Investigating a Royal Hunting Stucco Plaque from Chal Tarkhan- Eshgh Abad

Mohammad Eghbal Chehri; Mehrnaz Behroozi; Seyyed Rasool Mousavi Haji

Volume 7, Issue 1 , March 2015, , Pages 65-84

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2015.56672

Abstract

One of the most important sits of Sasanian period in Iran from which the Royal Hunting Plaques were recovered has been Chal Tarkhan of Eshgh Abad. There was a Sasanian palace containing ... Read More

Village Life and the Cultural Transformations of the Eastern Central Zagros Societies: Archaeological Excavation at Tappeh Qela-Gap

Mostafa Abdollahi; Kamal-Aldin Niknami; Morteza Hesari; Alireza Sardari Zarchi

Volume 6, Issue 1 , September 2014, , Pages 67-86

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2014.52676

Abstract

The higher mountainous region of the Central Zagros is regarded as one of the important regions for the early human settlements. Although archaeological studies have been initiated ... Read More

A Comparative Study on the Image of “Buraq” in the Islamic Art with some Motifs of the Luristan Bronze

maryam khosravi; alireza taheri

Volume 10, Issue 2 , January 2019, , Pages 67-81

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2018.226529.142389

Abstract

In the Islamic tradition it has been described that Prophet has gone to Ascension by a fantastic creature called "Buraq". Many Pictures and descriptions of “Boraq” remained ... Read More

Location, Form and Spatial Organization of Kelaar City in the Early Islamic Centuries

Hassan Karimiyan; Sara Saghaee

Volume 5, Issue 1 , December 2013, , Pages 69-88

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2013.35944

Abstract

Historical sources of early Islamic centuries have been introduced “Kelaar” as an flourishing city in the mountainous area between Tabarestan and Deilam which nowadays ... Read More

The Mystery of the Central Stone Slab in the Tripylon Gate of Persepolis

Shahrokh Razmjou

Volume 7, Issue 2 , December 2016, , Pages 69-83

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2015.57748

Abstract

It has been proposed that some structures at Persepolis served as calendarical or astronomical mechanisms. Despite a general lack of evidence of such functionality at the site, a stone ... Read More

From Mount Silhazu to Mount Bikni: Historical Geography of Media in the Neo-Assyrian Period

Sa&#039;di Saeedyan; Bahman Firoozmandi

Volume 8, Issue 2 , March 2017, , Pages 71-89

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2017.61728

Abstract

The problem of historical geography and extent of Median territory in Neo-Assyrian period, from 9th to 7th centuries B.C. has always made dissensions. Given the extent of Median territory ... Read More

Survey and Study of Ilkahanid Pottery from Archaeological Excavations in Arzanfood

Mohammad Ebrahim Zarei; Ali Khaksar; Abbas Motarjem; Farhad Amini; Aezam Dini

Volume 6, Issue 2 , March 2015, , Pages 73-90

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2015.54174

Abstract

Although many studies and excavations at Islamic sites have been done, and something position of Islamic pottery have been marked, but there is a lot of problem exist in this case like ... Read More

Interaction between Humans and Environment: Spatial Environmental Analysis of Neolithic to Bronze Age sites of Laran County, Chahar Mahal and Bakhtiari Province

Mohsen Heydari Dastenaei; Mehdi Mortazavi

Volume 9, Issue 1 , August 2017, , Pages 75-92

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2017.137361.142235

Abstract

Laran County in Highland Zagros in Bakhtiari region consist of two major rivers; Karun and zayandeh Roud and Perhaps one of the few areas of the country that has not witnesed archaeological ... Read More

Explanation of Early Pottery Features in Kashafrud River Basin: Based on the typology of Pottery,s Esmail- Abad site in Mashhad

moh davari; fatemeh mousivand; hassan basafa

Volume 10, Issue 1 , August 2018, , Pages 75-94

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2018.239481.142460

Abstract

The parthian period in Iran is less known than other historical periods. The information that presents historical and historical geography can be the source of the Parthians in Northeast ... Read More

The Contribution of Archaeozoology for the Understanding of the Botkhaneh Cave in Central Zagros-Iran

Roya Khazaeli; Marjan Mashkour; Homa Fathi; Morteza Garavand

Volume 11, Issue 1 , May 2019, , Pages 75-94

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2019.71099

Abstract

Botkhaneh Cave located at 21 km southwest of Kuhdasht, is one of the archaeological sites which has probably been occupied by mobile pastoralists which through the time the cave was ... Read More

Mineralogy and Elemental Analysis of Sasanian-Early Islamic Potsherds from the Jahangir Archaeological Monument in Ilam Based on Petrography, XRF, ICP

Leila Khosravi; Milad Baghsheikhi

Volume 15, Issue 2 , December 2023, , Pages 75-91

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2023.354447.143181

Abstract

To date, no experimental investigations utilizing petrographic, XRF, ICP, or TL methodologies have been undertaken for the analysis of Sasanian and Early Islamic pottery in Western ... Read More

The Introduction of Burial Method from the Sassanian Dynasty in Kangelo Fort Located in Savadkouh, Mazandaran

Saman Soortijee

Volume 3, Issue 2 , February 2012, , Pages 77-92

Abstract

In the course of selecting a route that lacks any archaeological artefacts and in order to construct an appropriate access path to Kangelo Fort in Savadkouh at Mazandaran Province, ... Read More

Stable Isotope Analysis to Determining Gender Differences in Ancient Dietary Systems

Fahime Sheikhshoaee; Kamal-Aldin Niknami

Volume 8, Issue 1 , April 2016, , Pages 77-89

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2016.59496

Abstract

Nowadays, the isotopic analysis solves many important issues in archeology and anthropology including the reconstruction of past diets, tracing the footsteps of the ancient migrations ... Read More

Identification and Investigation of Sassanians Ossuaries in Shoushtar city, Kuzistan

mehrdad hatami; Ali Asghar Mirfatah; reza shbani

Volume 11, Issue 2 , October 2019, , Pages 77-96

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2019.73100

Abstract

The study of burials in ancient world is one of the most important sources to recognize religions, culture and ideological beliefs of ancient peoples. In the Sassanid eras, also it ... Read More

An Overview on Three Seasons of Archaeological Excavations in Jahangir Site, Ilam

Leila Khosravi

Volume 12, Issue 4 , May 2021, , Pages 77-94

Abstract

< p dir="ltr">Jahangir is one of the most prominent Sasanian sites In the west of Iran that excavated due to locating in the flood level of Kangir dam (Eyvan). The deficiency ... Read More

Recognition of Metal Sources Used for Extracting Silver for Minting Parthian Coins in the Medes Province using the PIXE Method

Farhang Khādemi Nadooshan; Muhammad Nāyebpur; Bitā Sodāei

Volume 3, Issue 1 , July 2011, , Pages 79-88

Abstract

Sources which were used for minting coins may help us recognize the mines that Parthians used for mint houses that were marked on their coins. These signs may solve many politico-economic ... Read More

An Archaeological Investigation on the Islamic Sites of Sistan, Iran

Hamid Hassanalipour; Hasasan Karimian; Seyyed Rasool Mousavi Haji

Volume 5, Issue 2 , March 2014, , Pages 79-98

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2014.50396

Abstract

The climatic conditions of Sistan plain and its coexistence paved the way for settlement of human populations, establishment of various residential sites and perhaps more importantly, ... Read More

Some Evidences on Social and Economic Institutions of Iron Age Societies in the Center of the Iranian Plateau

Sajjad Alibaigi; Shokouh Khosravi

Volume 1, Issue 1 , January 2009, , Pages 85-108

Abstract

Studying and understanding social, economic and political structures of Iron Age societies is an important aspect of archaeological studies on this age. Archaeological surveys of Iron ... Read More

Gird-i Ashoan during the Late Chalcolithic, Based on the Second Season of Excavation in Northwestern Iran

Mahnaz Sharifi

Volume 14, Issue 2 , September 2022, , Pages 87-110

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2022.322632.143011

Abstract

Excavations at Gird-i Ashoan, an archaeological mound in Piranshahr County in the Lower Zab Basin, have provided remarkable insights into the cultural traditions of the region during ... Read More

Preliminary study and Introduction of Achaemenid Coins Discovered from Assaluyeh Port (?) In Mazandaran Cultural Heritage Museum

Saman Soortiji; kamal aldin niknami; hayedeh khamseh

Volume 13, Issue 1 , July 2021, , Pages 91-116

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2020.276508.142684

Abstract

This article is the result of theoretical and preliminary studies of 240 Shekel (Siglo) coins of the Achaemenid Empire. This valuable collection was obtained by the police of Mazandaran ... Read More This article is the result of theoretical and preliminary studies of 240 Shekel (Siglo) coins of the Achaemenid Empire. This valuable collection was obtained by the police of Mazandaran province in 2010 from antique smugglers in Amol city. Currently, these very diverse and valuable coins, which were discovered from a place in the south of Iran and near the port of Assaluyeh, are kept in the Museum in Sari city. Because documenting coins in museums was limited to basic recordings, we had the opportunity to document all the coins in the collection for library studies and comparisons. Documentary of coins was done by measuring, weighing, hand drawing, computer drawing, photography and scanning. After this stage, the main questions and objectives of research were posed. Preliminary studies and comparisons confirmed the attribution of coins to the Achaemenid period. Also, the initial results of the documentation, that's mean examining the details of the image of the coins, including the crown, clothes, weapons, body shape and face details, showed differences in their minting and made it possible to compare them with referable samples. Although in this study, some materials have been proposed to confirm the authenticity and dating and identify the time range of the studied coins, nevertheless, accurate determination of their authenticity and scientific chronology will be possible after more accurate experiments.Coins were invented as a result of the development of societies and the economic needs of human beings. The first coins were minted by the Lydia government. Cyrus the Great, recognized the need to use it, but Darius I minted gold and silver coins for the first time in Iran. The gold coins were called "Darik" and the silver coins were called "Shekel" ) Siglo (. Shekel is a silver coin weighing 5.60 grams. During the Achaemenid period, four types of coinage were minted: 1- Imperial coin 2- Satrap coinage 3- State coins with the image of the emperor 4- Local coins or non-Iranian lands that were under Persian rule. Imperial coinage have no writing; Therefore, their classification needs to be carefully studied and compared with similar samples. The collection studied (Shekel), are under the group of Achaemenid imperial coins. Since the preliminary studies of this collection were very necessary to introduce it to the scientific community, so an attempt was made to make a comparative study of the coins of the Mazandaran Museum with the most important coins found from the Achaemenid period. Coins were studied and documented by referring to reliable sources. In this regard, for comparative studies based on comparison, the characteristics of coins including the appearance of persons on the coin, decorative motifs, Type of clothing and individual symptoms, with similar cases were considered. This almost tedious process eventually led to the creation of a framework for classifying the coins in question. Since the method of documenting these coins in the museum was limited to the initial recordings, due to the importance of the subject, we had the opportunity to conduct detailed studies to address the main questions and objectives of this study. The comparisons made on the coins of this collection confirmed their authenticity and attribution to the Achaemenid period, and the work of documenting showed the difference in their minting.At first, all the study documents, including the history and economic system of the Achaemenid kings, as well as sources about their cultural works, such as reliefs and seals, were collected. The oxide-coated sample was then purged. The oxide layer was then removed from the surface of a number of coins. After this step, the weight of the coins was measured with a digital scale and their diameter and thickness were measured with a caliper. In the next step, the back and front of the coins were photographed with a digital camera and scanner, and then they were technically drawn manually with the help of a computer. If the coin shapes were not obvious due to wear and tear, clear images were created with the help of Photoshop and inverter software for more accurate design. (Figure‌1). These coins are very simple and the main focus is on the image of the king. The king is armed with a bow, spear or dagger in these coins. With the exception of rare cases, there are depressions on the back of the coins. Sometimes signs and symbols are engraved on the back and on the coins (Figure 8).Achaemenid coins, while simple and similar, have a great variety. Different sources have dealt with their different types and forms as much as possible, but considering that a number of coins in the collection of the Mazandaran Museum in the city of Sari did not have known and completely similar examples, Therefore, they were studied, separated and compared with samples that had the least details in common. From the studies and comparisons made with the samples of other Achaemenid coins, results were obtained that created suitable grounds for identifying and classifying the coins of the Mazandaran Museum. Summary table attached, Comparison of Achaemenid coins of the collection with other coins discovered (Table 1). According to this research, 240 coins belonging to Achaemenid kings have been identified. Recognition of the amount and purity of coins, which is a good criterion for determining the authenticity of coins, was not tested in this study, but the weight of coins, which is usually the standard for mints, was tested. The weight of coins of Mazandaran collection is determined with an average of about 5.60 grams, which is the standard weight of Achaemenid coins. The results of studies have shown that among this collection, there are coins that are similar to known examples. Also, there are coins that do not have similar patterns. This study provided an opportunity to examine the details of the image of coins and compare them with other samples, to classify them and attribute them to one of the kings who owned the coin. shekel coins have a great variety in terms of the image. In other words, the coin of a king has been in different details, which has created different types. The reason for this diversity may have been the existence of multiple mints or the lack of oversight of coin makers. A number of these different species have been identified and introduced in the study collection in Mazandaran Museum One of the reasons for the value of the silver coins studied is that they are a collection. This collection, as a time capsule, introduces a time range with a specific beginning and end. In total, the coins of the seven kings have been identified from the coin-owning kings in this period. In this collection, from Darius I, which basically has three species, one species (Figure 8), from Xerxes, which has two different species, one species (Figure 11), from Artaxerxes I (Figure 14), Darius II (Figure 16) and Young Cyrus, one species (Figure 18), from Artaxerxes II, three species (Figure 22, 23, 24) and in Finally, two types of coins have been identified from Artaxerxes III (Figure 25, 26). According to the information obtained, the period of the study complex was related to the years 522 to 338 BC, which covers about 184 years of the Achaemenid Empire.

Troglodytic Architecture at the Village of Baba in Tarom-e Sofla

Abbas Ali Rezaeinia

Volume 12, Issue 3 , December 2020, , Pages 93-116

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2020.283464.142730

Abstract

Corrals are distinctive types of traditional architecture in Iran which can be categorized into two groups: free standing spaces and troglodytic spaces. In 2018, a number of troglodytic ... Read More Corrals are distinctive types of traditional architecture in Iran which can be categorized into two groups: free standing spaces and troglodytic spaces. In 2018, a number of troglodytic spaces were first identified by the present author in the village of Baba located in the mountainous region of Tarom-e Sofla in Qazvin Province. In the valley and on the cliff slopes of the village of Baba, there are five troglodytic spaces which have been created in a short distance from each other and are aligned in almost the same direction. Their architectural structure is similar and includes a corridor, a low-ceiling entrance, and a large rectangular room spanned with a barrel vault. In only one of these spaces, there is a small room next to the large room. While the entranceway is built of flat stone, other spaces are hand-crafted. In addition, there are two structures which are interconnected through a short corridor next to the entrance, and the other structures are independent of each other. The rooms can be accessed only through the entrance. They are free of any apertures for lightning. Along the walls and at the corners of the rooms, logs and cavities have been carved. There are also remnants of stone raised platforms along the walls of the rooms. The present study attempts to introduce these newly found features in a descriptive and analytical fashion and determine their chronology and function. Based on a comparative study of architectural style and archaeological evidence, the author believes that the architectural complex of Baba village used to serve as corrals to keep livestock in shelter during winters. The results of the present study can make a significant contribution to our understanding of the traditional architectural patterns in the history of village architecture, ethnoarchaeology, and other related fields of social studies and humanities. Troglodytic living spaces are a group of little-understood troglodytic architecture. Troglodytic living spaces that are built to keep livestock, known as corrals or animal slums, play an important role in the livelihood of villagers. The importance and diversity of these spaces in the culture of rural architecture of Iran are hardly disputable. However, they have not yet been paid the due scholarly attention they deserve. Livestock spaces are created independently outside a village or in connection with the residential area of the village. The collection of Baba village handicrafts (Figure.1-2) is a valuable case in point that shows aspects of the rural handicraft architecture tradition. Also, given the fact that the livelihood of the villagers relied on livestock and livestock products, any endeavor to build livestock spaces was highly appreciated. Providing a suitable environment with hygienic conditions has been directly related to maintaining animal health and the cycle of livestock products. These spaces are valuable evidence of the architectural experiences of our ancestors in their confrontation with an ecosystem, which have survived for a long time until at least the last hundred years and have played a role in the economic, social and cultural life of villages. Contemporary developments have led humans to distance themselves from indigenous patterns and turn to new patterns. Sustaining the values of ancient architecture requires knowledge of the principles based on which indigenous architecture was formed and its local values (Sartipipour, 2013: 26). Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of rural issues and paying attention to biological patterns in the rural environment have an effective role in the sustainable future of the village (Rezvani & Rahbari, 2016: 25-6). This study is the first attempt in the literature to introduce the troglodytic collection of the village of Baba (Figure.3) in Tarom-e Sofla region as a biological experience in rural ecology. Although from the 1980s to the present, the Building and Housing Research Center and the Housing Foundation of the Islamic Revolution have provided a macro level typology of rural housing in the provinces of Iran, few, if any independent detailed studies have so far been conducted on this topic. It commits itself to examining how this type of architecture was created, what its main features are, what the use and construction time of the collection of handicrafts are, and what their status is within the culture of rural architecture. This study rests upon the hypothesis that there is a common pattern in the architectural style of the handicrafts in the mountainous areas and that of cold rural areas. The architectural plan and structure of troglodytic spaces of the village of Baba (Figure.4-26) are closely similar to those of other mountainous areas in Iran such as Kharqan Qazvin (Maraghi & Parhizkari, 2015), Vafs Komijan and Kandovan (Homayoun, 1977) and Meymand (Homayoun, 1973), (Figure.27-30) and their formation is influenced by environmental and geographical factors. The study is aimed to look for the commonalities and differences in the architecture of troglodytic village of Baba and rural architecture. The architecture of the village can be considered as a new example of animal spaces in Iran, which will be described and analyzed in this paper. Adopting a descriptive-analytical methodology, the present study was an attempt to describe the architectural features of this complex through documents, field survey, and comparative analysis. Troglodytic architecture is the result of human interaction with the natural environment. Examination of known evidence shows that it had been widespread in Iran. Rural architecture is a manifestation of the livelihood of rural communities. The use of livestock spaces indicates the reliance of the villagers’ livelihood on livestock. Creating cages in the form of hand-held spaces is a model of traditional rural architecture in areas with cold climates. This common practice in different parts of Iran is a function of local and indigenous characteristics, but despite social and cultural differences, common executive methods have been used in their construction. In terms of architectural typology, the handicrafts of the village of Baba can be categorized as troglodytic mountain caves. These structures are formed by digging a sandstone bed. Their outline and spatial organization are similar to those in other areas. It seems that the history of the construction of these structures dates back to at least the Safavid period. Based on the study of troglodytic cages, which are examined as an indicator in this article, they can be divided into mountainous and plain spaces. Mountain caves usually lack a clear geometric order and are formed on the basis of the earth's bed. Plain cages, on the other hand, are more orderly and have good ventilation and light. Their access path is designed in a way to create temperature balance. The division of the interior space to separate young animals is seen only in the example of Baba cages. In terms of material and structure, the pits are dug in the bed of sandstones, volcanic rocks, dense and compacted clay, and conglomerate rocks so that they can have high durability and be less prone to degradation over time. In terms of location, the mountain caves are organized individually below or next to the houses or in a centralized and grouped manner along the edges of the textures. Cages built in a residential space have a separate entrance (Kandovan Figure.29) or a common entrance shared with humans (Meymand Figure.30). The number and size of cages depend on the number of livestock. They are located in such a way that they are not in the path of floods and are created under the protection of natural forces. In terms of their use, livestock spaces are classified into two groups: winter and summer cages. Winter pens are created in the village while summer pens are made outside the pastures and are used seasonally. Paying attention to the body and function of troglodytic cages will provide a better understanding of the traditions of rural architecture and the system that governs them, which represent an efficient model and the wise experiences that have led to the development and prosperity of the village.

Cultural Interactions of Little Zab River Basin in Chalcolithic / Bronze age Northwest of Iran

mahnaz sharifi

Volume 13, Issue 3 , September 2021, , Pages 93-116

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2020.305384.142892

Abstract

Archaeological excavations in the Little Zab river in the areas of GirdiAshoan, Barveh, Bardeh Zard and Akhoran, in order to identify the cultural sequence of Zab, were carried out ... Read More

New Findings of Medieval Islamic Metals in Troglodyte Tahyagh in Khomein

Esmael Sharahi; Hossein Sedighian

Volume 14, Issue 3 , October 2022, , Pages 93-118

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2020.287667.142768

Abstract

Troglodyte Tahyagh is one of the important sites of the medieval Islamic period in Iran. During the first season of archaeological excavations at this site, in addition to identifying ... Read More

Volume 17 (2025)

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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