Journal of Archaeological Studies

Rabat Tape: Ancient Hubushkia

Sadi Saeedyan; Fatemeh Gholizadeh

Volume 11, Issue 1 , May 2019, , Pages 113-131

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2019.71101

Abstract

Hubuškia is a royal city and country in Northern Zagros and one of the significant buffer states between Assyrian and Urartian spheres of influence during the 9th to 7th centuries ... Read More

Preliminary Study and Introduction of Recovered Armaments from Parthian Catacombs at Vestemin, Kiasar, Sari, Considering 2015, 2017, and 2018

Abdolmotaleb Sharifi Holaei; Bahman Firouzmandi Shirah Jini; kamal aldin Niknami

Volume 15, Issue 2 , December 2023, , Pages 113-131

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2022.340656.143101

Abstract

The contractor of the gas line transition from Damghan to Neka destroyed and recovered two tombs in 2014. The site is located 80 km south of Sari. Archaeological excavations led to ... Read More

Identification of the Encircled Bust based on the Achaemenid samples and Qizqapan Motif

iraj rezaie; baman firozmandi

Volume 10, Issue 1 , August 2018, , Pages 115-134

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2018.140587.142249

Abstract

The Encircled Male Bust is one of the most mysterious symbols of ancient Iran and as yet, many researchers have commented on its identity and origin. However, the evidences have not ... Read More

Determination of Mineral Elements of Dental Remains from the Shahrak-e Firouzeh Site

Mohammad Hossin Rezaei; Hassan Basafa; Hamideh Sadat Mohammdipour; Narges Hashemi; Atefeh Beig Zadeh

Volume 11, Issue 2 , October 2019, , Pages 117-131

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2019.73102

Abstract

A study of dental elements can provide useful information about the diet and social, economic and biological status of the human population in the past. The nutritional status of the ... Read More

Eastern Iran Prehistoric Archaeological Project:First Season of Archaeological Excavations at Kale Kub, South Khorasan Province (2018), Relative and Absolute Chronology

Mohammad Hossein Azizi Kharanaghi; Masashi Abe; Sepideh Jamshid Yeganeh; Afshin Akbari

Volume 12, Issue 4 , May 2021, , Pages 117-141

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2021.81259

Abstract

Eastern Iran, especially in the prehistoric period, is a completely unknown region on the Iranian archaeological map. More than one hundred years after the beginning of archaeological ... Read More

Study and Introduction of Novel Arch- Construction Method During Median

Kazem Mollazadeh; Saheb Mohammadian Mansoor

Volume 3, Issue 2 , February 2012, , Pages 129-148

Abstract

One of the most ambiguous historical periods in Iran is Median Era so that the Median architecture has a lot of unknown aspects. Noshijan Hill in Malayer City is one of the foremost ... Read More

Elemental Analysis of Naser al-Din Shah's Qajar silver Qirans Struck in Kerman

Zohre Jozi; Muhammad amin Saadat mehr

Volume 13, Issue 2 , September 2021, , Pages 129-148

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2020.297585.142849

Abstract

The city and province of Kerman has always been of special importance due to its many economic and commercial opportunities, in addition to which it has had a high political position ... Read More The city and province of Kerman has always been of special importance due to its many economic and commercial opportunities, in addition to which it has had a high political position for the Qajar rulers; For these reasons, the mint has been active for a long time until 1878 AD. It was established in this city that during the period of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar (1847-1895 AD) many silver qirans were written between the years 1848-1849, 1852-1855, 1860, 1863-1867, 1869-1871, 1873, 1875-1876, and 1878 AD. Had beaten. The coinage system of the Naseri period, although nominally following the system of Tehran, but in practice each city had an autonomous military and the coins of most cities were minted with different amounts of silver purity. These issues raise two questions for the Kerman Mint: 1- What is the purity of the main elements (silver, copper, iron, gold, and lead) of the coins minted in Kerman and how has it changed? 2- What is the purity of silver coins of Kerman city, in the position of important economic city, in comparison with other important cities of Iran, such as Mashhad, Tabriz, Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz? Therefore, in order to answer these questions, elemental analysis of coins of this period using PIXE method due to its non-destructiveness, speed and high accuracy, became the main basis of this research. In this study, 23 coins in 19 different dates and 4 coins were analyzed to measure the validity of the results and analyzes, which resulted in a trend of changes in the purity of silver on average in three time periods between 1848-1855 AD. He explained 90.09%, 1860-1871 AD 86.53%, 1873-1878 AD 84.17%, and in the whole multiplication period 87.16%, and its position in terms of the purity of silver in front of Mashhad mints (84%), Tabriz (82%), Tehran (90%), Isfahan (84%), and Shiraz (90%). Also, valuable information was obtained on the type of silver mines used, namely the Cerussite mines and how the coins were minted with copper and iron metals.

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

Mohamad Hossein Azizi Kharanaghi; Masashi Abe

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

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

Abstract

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

Survey of Parthian Sites in Northern Hillsides of Alvand’s Mountains (Hamedan

Abbas Motarjem; Behzad Balmaki

Volume 1, Issue 1 , January 2009, , Pages 135-153

Abstract

During this survey 29 sites have been recognized totally. Settlement patterns determined base of environmental characteristics such as altitude, ground slope, source of water, petrology ... Read More

Formation, Development and Evolutions in Metallurgy of Copper and its Alloys during the Prehistoric Period of Iran: From Copper Usage to Evidences of Brass

Omid Oudbashi

Volume 13, Issue 1 , July 2021, , Pages 139-166

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2019.248585.142512

Abstract

The Iranian Plateau and its residents can be enumerated as one of the pioneers in progress of technology, science and knowledge in the ancient world. The development of metallurgy on ... Read More The Iranian Plateau and its residents can be enumerated as one of the pioneers in progress of technology, science and knowledge in the ancient world. The development of metallurgy on the Iranian Plateau has been a topic of interest to both archaeologists and scientists for many years because of the remarkable history of the metallurgical activities in this region and concerned the wide variety of the technologies, compositions, innovations, etc. (Figure 1). Results of many investigations in metallurgy of ancient Iranian Plateau show usage of copper and its alloys in different periods of Iran history from prehistoric to Islamic era. In this paper, formation, evolutions and developments occurred in metallurgy of copper alloys have reviewed and in prehistoric period of Iran (7000-500 BC) based on archaeological and archaeometallurgical investigations. The results of analytical and archaeological studies state the first metal used in prehistory of Iranian Plateau has been copper. It is apparent that the Iranian Plateau has a significant history in the metallurgy of copper and its alloys in the prehistoric period. It has begun in the Neolithic period and during 4000 years has transformed from forming objects by hammering native copper to extensive smelting of oxidic and sulphidic ores in Chalcolithic era. The ancient metalworkers used native copper to manufacture small decorative objects, as it was observed in Ali Kosh Neolithic site (Figure 2). It was developed by shaping native copper to produce small functional objects such as objects discovered from late Neolithic sites (Figure 2). It was continued by melting native copper to cast objects. Furthermore, metallurgical processes were extended by smelting copper oxidic ores in crucibles during 5th and 4th millennium BC. In fact, the chalcolithic period (ca. 4500-3000 BC) is the period of emergence and development of smelting of oxidic and then sulphidic copper ores in small scale. There are numerous evidences of copper smelting in the chalcolithic archaeological sites such as Qabristan, Tal-i Iblis, etc. showing the crucible smelting technology in different regions of the Iranian Plateau (Figure 3). This technology was developed by large-scale smelting of copper ores, as it was discovered in Arisman, near Kashan. Of course, the metallurgical technologies during the late chalcolithic period (ca. 3500-3000 BC), is a mixture of crucible smelting and furnace smelting (Figure 4). It is worth noting that the main metallic composition in the Chalcolithic period is arsenical copper that may has been produced accidentally by smelting As-bearing copper ores leading to obtain metallic copper with significant amounts of arsenic (Figure 5). Nevertheless, some evidences of intentional arsenical copper production have been found during late Chalcolithic and early Bronze Age archaeological sites, such as Arisman. The third millennium BC was occurred with occurrence of a new alloy, tin bronze. Early evidences of this technology was observed in western Iran, Luristan at the beginning of the third millennium BC. Some tin bronze objects with significant amounts of tin were detected among copper and arsenical copper objects discovered from Early Bronze Age graveyards such as Kalleh Nisar and Bani Surmeh (Figure 6). Although, early evidences of tin bronze metallurgy have been occurred in the third millennium BC but this technology was limited for about 1000 years in western and south-western Iran. Results of analytical studies revealed that the main copper base metallurgy has been copper and arsenical copper in other regions of the Iranian Plateau during the third millennium BC. Tin bronze was emerged in central Iran during the middle and late Bronze Age (ca. 2500-1500 BC) such as evidences from Malyan (Fars). Therefore, no evidence of tin bronze has been observed in eastern Iran, even at the mid of the second millennium BC. Although tin bronze was occurred during the early Bronze Age and was spread during middle and late Bronze Age in western and central Iran, but it was the main copper-based alloy during the Iron Age of the Iranian Plateau (ca. 1500-550 BC). Results of analytical investigations states that tin bronze has been the main material in production of metallic objects at the whole of the Iranian Plateau. The ritual objects from Iron Age graveyards of western, northern and central Iran show application of tin bronze to produce these objects. The large scale tin bronze production is the Iron Age of Iran is an interesting aspect, as this alloy has been observed in different archaeological sites such as Hasanlu and Marlik (Figure 7). One of the important collections form this category are the Luristan Bronzes, the enigmatic and extraordinary metallic objects that were produced in high-quality craftsmanship and were placed in graves and sanctuaries as ritual objects (Figure 8). The results of chemical analysis on the Luristan Bronzes, as well as other tin bronze objects from Iran, shows that thy may have been produced by uncontrolled alloying methods. In fact, controlling tin content has not been an important case for ancient metalworkers during the Iron Age (and also the Bronze Age). Also, no correlation between tin content and object’s typology is visible in the tin bronze objects from prehistoric Iran, that is in contrast with accent cuneiform texts from Mesopotamia. It may show that tin bronze metallurgy in the Iranian Plateau may has not been in connection with the Mesopotamian technology. Although, evidences of copper-zinc objects have been observed among the other copper based artefacts from second and first millennium BC, but it can’t be stated that this material has been used as a deliberately produced metallurgical product. It is more probable that these limited examples of copper-zinc objects (probably brass) were produced by smelting Zn-bearing copper ores. Nevertheless, evidences of low-zinc objects from Tappeh Yahya (southern Iran) and Luristan shows occurrence of early brasses (probable accidentally) during the prehistoric Iran. Results of numerous analytical studies on the prehistoric copper base metallurgy during the last decades revealed interesting aspects of this technology from about 8000 BC. It has been started by using native copper and then developed by smelting oxidic and sulphidic copper in crucibles during the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods. Large scale smelting sites also were occurred during the late chalcolithic and early Bronze Age. Furthermore, application of different copper alloys such as arsenical copper, tin bronze and brass from Chalcolithic to Iron Age are important developments in archaeometallurgy in Iran. Totally, process of formation and development of copper metallurgy in prehistoric Iran has been introduced and revised based on technical and archaeological finds belonging a period about 6500 years (Figure 9).

A Study on the Architectural Components, Semantics of Inscriptions and Decorative Elements of “Al-kart” Kings in “Gonbadkhaneh” of Sheikh-e Jam Complex

Faramarz Sabermoghadam; Haeideh Khamseh; Mohammad Mortezaie

Volume 13, Issue 3 , September 2021, , Pages 141-168

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2021.303864.142885

Abstract

Tomb sites, due to the prominent construction features, execution methods and decorative elements, account for an important part of the Iranian architectural patterns in the Islamic ... Read More Tomb sites, due to the prominent construction features, execution methods and decorative elements, account for an important part of the Iranian architectural patterns in the Islamic period in the group of burial buildings. Regarding to the fundamental importance of these sites, from a scientific point of view, research in various dimensions of their formation and emergence and comprehensive study is of great importance. One of the most important structural issues of tomb sites is determining the exact date of construction and developments that have affected their structures over time. The complex of Sheikh Ahmad-e Jam, in the city of Torbat-e Jam, which was founded by the will or to advance the governmental and political goals of one of the Khorasan mystics in the fifth and sixth centuries AH, is among the magnificent works of Iranian architecture and one of the most valuable historical sites in Iran. This complex have reflected a full image of Iranian-Islamic art and over time, has been one of the major centers of mysticism and Sufism in eastern Iran and the land of Khorasan. Despite this position and importance, many architectural features and decorative arts in this complex are still unknown and neglected.Among the buildings in the complex of Sheikh Ahmad Jam’s tomb, the dome chamber or solitary room (a place for worship), besides having a mystical and spiritual virtue for his children and grandchildren, one of the most important features of this building is the existence of a unique credential-narrative inscription of Al-Kart kings of Herat and a figure named "Gheymus" in it, and on the other hand, the focus of decorative patterns in the form of murals, inscriptions and paintings in various designs, has doubled the importance of the dome chamber of Jam’s tomb. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate and explain the architectural components and elements of this building by examining the concept and semantics of their array patterns. This research was conducted with the ultimate goal of obtaining answers to following questions. (1) Is the building of the dome chamber the same plain monastery of Sheikh Ahmad Jam, which was renovated by Sultan Sanjar after his death? (2) What justifies the existence of inscriptions and decorative elements in the interior space and their special concept and meaning? (3) Were the inscriptions and images written and drawn at the same period of time? However, in order to scientifically answer these questions, the research method and data collection of this study are based on documents and records, field studies and of laboratory tests and its approach is descriptive, comparative and interpretive analysis.

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

Afrasiab Garavand; Ardeshir Javanmardzadeh; Akbar Abedi; Fatemeh Malekpur

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

Abstract

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

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

A Discussion on the Stone Composite Figurines in BMAC/GKC and its Influence1

Deng Chen

Volume 16, Issue 2 , September 2024, , Pages 183-201

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2025.388989.143334

Abstract

In the last century, a group of Bronze Age composite stone female figurines, known as “Bactrian princesses”, appeared in the antique market, and were suspected to come from ... Read More

Archaeological Studies on Sgraffito-Type Pottery Production Workshops in Iran (9th–14th Centuries AD): Insights from Archaeological Excavations at the Aghche Rish Site, Northwest Iran

mehdi kazempour; Yadolah Heydari Baba Kamal

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 31 August 2025

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2025.399060.143365

Abstract

For several centuries (9th to 14th AD), Sgraffito-type pottery was widely distributed across a vast region, including Iran, the Caucasus, Anatolia, Eastern Europe, and Transoxiana. ... Read More For several centuries (9th to 14th AD), Sgraffito-type pottery was widely distributed across a vast region, including Iran, the Caucasus, Anatolia, Eastern Europe, and Transoxiana. Based on the typological studies of Grube and Allen, this pottery tradition is classified into five main groups—Simple Sgraffito, Splashed Glazed Sgraffito, Champlevé/Garrus, Agh Kand, and Amol—each named after geographic locations in Iran where examples were first identified. Despite this established classification, our knowledge of the actual production contexts—workshops, kilns, tools, and technological processes—remained speculative, relying mainly on unverified accounts from antique dealers. No systematic archaeological investigations of production sites had previously been undertaken. These gaps raise significant research questions: How did Sgraffito pottery technology develop over a span of five centuries? Which styles represent earlier phases, and which embody the latest technical innovations? To address these questions, I initiated fieldwork in 2015 in the southern part of northwest Iran, a region historically rich in ceramic traditions. Surveys identified more than 20 sites containing substantial Sgraffito pottery remains. Among them, the site of Aghche Rish was selected for excavation, marking the first archaeological project in Iran devoted specifically to uncovering Sgraffito pottery production workshops. Excavations revealed a complex dating from the 9th to 14th centuries AD. Finds included multiple pottery kilns, extensive quantities of Garrus and Agh Kand wares , residential structures, workshop buildings, kiln-support tools such as bars and tripods, glass bracelets, 10th-century coins, tombs, and a historical cemetery. The presence of both domestic and industrial features provides valuable insight into the organization of pottery production and the daily lives of the craftspeople. This article first examines the workshop activities at Aghche Rish, offering rare archaeological evidence of Sgraffito production in Iran, and then presents a detailed typological analysis of the pottery assemblage, contributing to a deeper understanding of its technological and chronological development.

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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

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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