Journal of Archaeological Studies

Chemical Analysis of Tepe Zaghe Anthropogenic Soils to Identify Particular Activity Areas

Kamal Aldin * Niknami; Iraj Rezaee

Volume 5, Issue 2 , March 2014, , Pages 163-182

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2014.50404

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 ... Read More

Archaeometrical Study of Achaemenid Glazed Bricks Found from Tall-e-Ajori Excavation in Persepolis

Soodabeh Yousefnejad; Reza Vahidzadeh; Mohammad Hasan Talebian

Volume 5, Issue 1 , December 2013, , Pages 165-179

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2013.35950

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 ... Read More

A Comparative Study on the Urbanization Periods of the Mehran Plain Based on the Pottery Finds from Chogha Ahowan

Parisa Nekouei; Hassan Fazeli Nashli; Ardeshir Javanmard Zadeh

Volume 6, Issue 2 , March 2015, , Pages 167-184

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2015.54181

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 ... Read More

Typological Study and Comparative Chronology of the Pottery Vessels from Tepe Giyan in Nihavand: The Assemblage of Moghadam Museum of University of Tehran

Niloufar Moghimi

Volume 8, Issue 2 , March 2017, , Pages 167-188

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2017.61775

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 ... Read More

Studying the Ancient Metallurgy of Qazvin Plain Based on the Metal Samples Discovered from The Iron Age II Graves of Sagzabad Cemetery

Talhe Ghodousiyan; Ahad Samadi; Hasan Talai

Volume 9, Issue 1 , August 2017, , Pages 167-187

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2017.64011

Abstract

Ancient metallurgy is one of the technological processes were seen from discovered natural native copper in Tappeh Zagheh (6th millennium B.C.). It was continued progressively in Tappeh ... Read More

New Uruk Findings in NW Iran; Hasanlu VIII -VII and the Lack of Kura-Araxes Evidence in Southern Parts of the Lake Urmia Region

Akbar Abedi; Reza Heidari; salah salimi

Volume 11, Issue 1 , May 2019, , Pages 167-183

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2019.71110

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 ... Read More

An Archaeological Analysis of the Existing Shell Vessels (Libation Shell) in the Archaeological Contexts of the Iranian Plateau in the Third to the First Millennium B.C.

Parisa Naseri; Abbas Motarjem; David S. Reese

Volume 15, Issue 2 , December 2023, , Pages 167-183

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2023.342641.143113

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. ... Read More 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 3rd 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

Womanity as Represnted on-the-Cylinder Seals An Enactive Semiotics of Female Visualisation in Ancient Susiana (3500-1000 B.C.)

Vahid Askarpour

Volume 10, Issue 1 , August 2018, , Pages 169-187

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2018.215872.142331

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 ... Read More

Archaeological Excavation at Taj Amir Cemetery, Yasouj

Ebrahim Ghezelbash; Mohammad Javad Jafari; Nowrooz Rajabi; Korosh Mohammadkhani

Volume 8, Issue 1 , April 2016, , Pages 171-190

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2016.59501

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 ... Read More

A Study on the Battle of Bahram–e Goor in Keshmahin on the Basis of Motifs from Bandian–e Dargaz

ali sadrayi; Mostansar Gholinejad; Hossein Koohestani; Mahmoud Toghraie; Mahia Azar

Volume 11, Issue 2 , October 2019, , Pages 171-190

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2019.73113

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. ... Read More

An Analytical Look at Archaeology and Its Place in Iran

Simā Yadollāhi; Abbās Yalveh’i

Volume 3, Issue 1 , July 2011, , Pages 177-194

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 ... Read More

A Look at the Indexes of Style and Symbol in the Study of Archaeological Evidences and Their Role in our Accessibility to the Past Conceptions

Hekmatollah Mollasalehi; Sima Yadollahi

Volume 1, Issue 1 , January 2009, , Pages 185-198

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 ... Read More

The Bathhouse of Haj Mir-Hassan Qazvin, a Bath from Early Qajar Era

Parivash Akbari; Hayedeh Laleh; Ali Shojaee Esfahani

Volume 3, Issue 2 , February 2012, , Pages 193-219

Abstract

The public bathhouses are included in buildings as public utilities that have been expanded throughout Islamic realm by arising Islamic religion that cleaning is the preamble for most ... Read More

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

Morteza Hessari

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

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

Abstract

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

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

Reza Naseri; Malekzadeh Mehrdad

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

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

Abstract

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

Study of the Evolution of Finny Tower Tombs in Islamic Architecture: the Case Study of Azhar Tower of Dargazin, Iran

Reza Nazari arshad; Hassan Karimian

Volume 13, Issue 1 , July 2021, , Pages 211-234

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2019.290416.142790

Abstract

Architecture is among the important branches of art and civilization and architectural structures, beside their practical uses, have also served as the ground for the emergence of different ... Read More Architecture is among the important branches of art and civilization and architectural structures, beside their practical uses, have also served as the ground for the emergence of different arts and as indications of the grand status and glories of their founders. Among the various branches of architecture, tomb structures and funeral monuments have long played significant roles in culture, civilization and society of Iran and also have occupied an essential place in the history of our architecture. Therefore, beside the mosques, shrines have been the most popular public buildings in Iran and have entered the cultural tissues of Iranian life and society. A large portion of the evolution of architecture in Islamic era can be traced in the holy shrines and tombs. The formation, identity and being of these buildings are often closely connected with great local, national, political and religious leaders and characters. Thee architectural monuments also deserve scholarly studies in terms of their artistic, social, historical, cultural and religious aspects. Caring for shrines and building them is related to belief in hereafter, desire for immortality and love of followers and lovers of the deceased persons. Building of such places which come under various names such as “burial place”, “shrine”, “sanctuary”, “sanctum”, “receptacle”, “tomb”, “sepulcher”, “tower”, “imamzadeh”, etc. roughly began in 4th century A H. and became then more prevalent is eastern and northern Iran through the practice and believes of various sects and dynasties. The process became especially popular during the Shite dynasties such as Alavids (250-360 A H), and Buwayhids (320-447 A. H.) whose political power and rule helped the building of such places, shrines and tombs more than ever. In the Islamic societies of middle centuries, shrines found a very high stature among the masses and ordinary religious people. Interestingly, building shrines for great religious and social leaders has been more passionately pursued in Iran than in other Islamic countries so that, Ernst Diez, the Austrian art historian, “such buildings are the most popular and prevalent in Islamic Iran.” In fact, it was for the grand status and importance of such places that the first major undertaking that kings did after succession, was erecting graves and shrines for themselves and their fathers and relatives so as to be redeemed by God and gain an everlasting fame and name. Regarding their shape and format, sepulchers are basically divided into two forms: tower tombs and non-tower (rectangles tombs). A large portion of the shrines in Islamic era are tower tombs which have different shapes such as circular, multisided and finny, and also have common features such as a tall outside tower, and in them, emphasis is on the altitude not the extent of the building. Although some scholars have tried to work out a justification for the birth and building of tower tombs, none has ever come up with an all-satisfying evidence for the formation of such building along with the Islamic traditions governing them. In Hamadan province, Iran, there are some tower tombs from different Islamic eras, such as Ghorban Tower, Baba Hossein Tower in Malayer, Hayaquq Tower Tomb, etc. in the present study, we have undertaken to introduce one such tower tomb and describe its architectural and archeological characteristics; that is “Azhar Tower” that is located at the Dargazin section of Razan city, Hamadan Province. The city is situated at the north of Hamadan province and has many historical and cultural works belonging to different historical epochs, mostly Islamic era. The tower tomb with finny shape ,also called AzharImamzadeh, is one of the works from the Islamic era, but has not so far been comprehensively studied and there exists still many ambiguities about its history and being. The present study, thus, aims at considering the structural features of this building, its decorative elements, architectural innovations, and finding about the identity of the person buried under it. It also intends to consider this tomb as one of the few tower tombs with a finny shape and a star-like base for the tower, and comparing it with similar buildings in order to trace the mutual influences exchanged between it and similar forms both before and after its date. The research methodology applied for this purpose is an archeological case studythrough a descriptive-analytic study alongside using written sources such as historical and geographical documents and travelogues. The main questions posed by the project are: 1- in which historical age was the Azghar Tower built and with which similar architectural works can it be compared? 2- What are the innovations, and the architectural and decorative elements of the Tower? 3- Regarding the great importance of the Dargazin region in different historical eras, especially in middle Islamic epochs and the great sociopolitical people that have emerged in this region, what can be known about the identity of the person buried in there? The final results of the study show that the Azhar Tower Tomb dates back to the first half of the eighth century A. H. when the Ilkhanate (654-750 A H). Also, as the last tower shrine with a finny design in the history of Iranian Islamic architecture, it had been built based on the architectural and decorative forms dominant in the Ilkhanate age, and had been affected by some tower tombs in the central and northern parts of Iran, particularly, Imamzadeh Abdullah, and Ubayd Allah of Damavand, and the Bastam Tower. It is also most probable that the Azhar Tower was built for the burial of one of the outstanding man of the Dargazin region, named Sheik Sharaf-o-AldinDargazini.

Study of the 14th to 17th Centuries Azerbaijan Museum Gravestones Ornaments Based on Analytical Semiotic Approach

mehdi kazempour

Volume 13, Issue 3 , September 2021, , Pages 211-239

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2019.278962.142699

Abstract

TheAzerbaijan Museum has historical artworks from the pre-Islamic to Islamic periods. One of the most important parts of this museum is an open-air section, where a large number of ... Read More TheAzerbaijan Museum has historical artworks from the pre-Islamic to Islamic periods. One of the most important parts of this museum is an open-air section, where a large number of Gravestones, were collected and transported to this place from cemeteries around the city (Tabriz), as well as various East Azerbaijan cities cemeteries. Collecting of gravestones from different parts, has created a very rich collection of gravestones in this museum, which has provided a very good opportunity for studying East Azerbaijan gravestones in the Islamic periods. Now, in this research, we have tried to classify the gravestones ornaments types in the first stage by systematic research and collecting information by fieldwork and library methods, and afterward in the next step we will analyze the gravestones ornaments by symbolism approach. This research, which is of descriptive-analytical type, aims to answer the following questions: What are the symbolic meanings of the Azerbaijan Museum gravestones ornaments? What are the main features of the decorations of this gravestones and what motifs have been used the most? Based on this study, it was determined that the motifs ornaments in the Azerbaijan Museum gravestones (which are related to 14th to 17th century) are divided into four categories: palnet, geometric, Altar and inscription motifs that has direct relationship with religious beliefs of decided. Among these motifs inscription motifs are used mostly, basically poems and verses that shows mortality people initiation to the world. According to their religious beliefs, these people consider this world to be mortal and have tried to warn others about this mortality. Accordingly, they have been careful enough in choosing the theme, in choosing the poems, and in choosing the verses of the Qur'an. This has led to a harmony between the themes. Among the plant motifs on the Azerbaijan Museum gravestones, Khatai and Arabesque, and among the geometric patterns, circle are used mostly.

An introduction to the culture of Khojaly-Gadabay in the South Caucasus and its expansion in the northwest of Iran

Ali Karimikiya; Reza Rezaloo

Volume 12, Issue 3 , December 2020, , Pages 217-241

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2019.250873.142544

Abstract

Khojaly-Gadabay is a culture in the archeological literature of the Republic of Azerbaijan that was first recognized in the Khojaly region of this country. Chronologically, it dates ... Read More Khojaly-Gadabay is a culture in the archeological literature of the Republic of Azerbaijan that was first recognized in the Khojaly region of this country. Chronologically, it dates to the Late Bronze and the Old Iron Ages in the Caucasus area, and the Iron Ages I and II in the northwest of Iran. In addition to Khojaly-Gadabay, this culture is known with the names such as Central Zagafia, Ganja-Garabagh in the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Lechashen-Metsamur in the Republic of Armenia. Most archeological data of this culture have been obtained and studied from the cemeteries of non-residential cites. This descriptive-analytical study analyzes the main characteristics, based on archaeological data and with a comparative approach. In this study, it is tried to answer two main questions. First, what are the most important archaeological attributes of this culture in the studied geography? Second, how the origins and ways of expanding this culture can be explained? This paper can provide a clear understanding and an appropriate background for the study of this culture in the northwest of Iran. The main features of this culture have been the use of gray pottery, various burial shapes, semi-nomadic lifestyle, and the use of structures and temples in the spiritual and religious range. This study aimed at investigating the archeological data obtained both in the South Caucasus and in the northwest of Iran. The main objective of this work is to explore the most important cultural features of Khojaly-Gadabay culture and its distribution areas, as well as clarifying some unknown and dark features and commonalities and differences of this culture in the two mentioned geographical locations.The main questions of this study are as follows: 1) What are the most important archaeological features of this culture in the studied geography? 2) How the nuclei of formation, origin, and dissemination of this culture are explained? The answer to these unknowns can provide a clear horizon and a suitable background for studying this culture in the northwest of Iran (Azerbaijan). Reviewing previous studies show that the main features of this culture are the use of gray pottery, burials of different shapes, having a semi-nomadic life, and the construction and use of temples (in terms of spiritual and religious aspects). Based on the obtained archaeological data of this culture, Azerbaijani archaeologists attribute the formation, origin, and spread of this culture to the west of this country in 1450 to 900/800 B.C. This culture has spread from the South Caucasus to the northwest of Iran (Azerbaijan) between tribes that have been peacefully connected. The present study was conducted based on a descriptive-analytical method with a comparative approach. The authors of the article try to study this culture in the two geographical areas of the South Caucasus and northwest of Iran using different designs, species of pottery, and metal objects through a comparative approach and provide a clear understanding of this culture. Toward the end of the second millennium BC, tribes and communities engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry emerged in the western part of the Republic of Azerbaijan. All archaeological and cultural data related to these communities are known in the Azerbaijani archeological literature as “Khojaly-Gadabay culture”. Based on the obtained archaeological data of this culture, Azerbaijani archaeologists attribute the formation, origin, and spread of this culture to the west of this country in 1450 to 900/800 B.C. This culture has spread from the South Caucasus to the northwest of Iran between tribes that have been peacefully connected. Khojaly-Gadabay culture has been studied in terms of burial method, as well as archaeological and cultural aspects in the geographical area of the northwest of Iran, especially on the banks of the Aras River in sites or cemeteries such as Jafarabad Khodaafarin Cemetery, Larijan Cemetery, Tuali Sofla Cemetery. One of the main features of Khojaly-Gadabay culture is gray pottery (Figurs: 5,6,7,8) decorated with carvings and bronze objects (Figur: 3). In terms of shape and form, tombs come in a variety of shapes, including box-shaped and stone-shaped tombs in mountainous areas foothills whereas simple graves, earthen tombs, pit, plain-like, and brick graves in plain-like areas. Burials have been performed both collectively and individually. Burials in the residential area of the Caucasus basin were mostly collective and secondary, except that burial with a brick structure has not been obtained from the Caucasus region. Kurgani burials (Figur: 15) and stone-shaped boxes (Figur: 9) are located in two geographical areas in non-residential areas while cemeteries and have been reported from the foothills and around the castles. Khojaly-Gadabay culture pottery includes portable and removable utensils. Commonly used geometric patterns in the study area include horizontal recessed stripes, lace-shape patterns, horizontal lines, dot-like patterns, mushroom-shaped appendages, rhombus-shaped patterns, spring-shaped patterns, and stamped patterns. Animal motifs used in this culture include motifs of goats, rams (Figur: 6), cows, or birds. The resulting pottery is technically divided into two categories of wheel maker and handmade. Interestingly, according to the present study, pottery species show resemblance in two geographical areas, both in terms of pattern and form. One of the interesting points about these cemeteries is the secondary burial and having an altar or temple. The use of sacred sites and religious activities in the residential area obtained from layer VIII of Kul Tepe-I is related to the Chalcolithic period. Also, indemnification of a temple that has cow-horn and horseshoes shaped stoves is related to the Early Bronze Age of Kul Tepe-I and II. The use of sacred sites in residential or burial area in the region is suggestive of the Late Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age in the South Caucasus basin. In some of these cemeteries, including Muncuqlu Tǝpǝ/Munjuglu Tepe, each tomb has its own altar, and the altars were built right at the entrance and in front of the tombs. The depth of the altars is 50 cm and the depth of the graves is 70-100 cm. One of the religious sites related to this culture is obtained from the Gegarut site of Armenia, which was named temple (Figur: 10) by an excavator. Another important element in the subject of spirituality and religion is the construction and use of the temple. In this regard, the use of the temple is one of the major features of Khojaly-Gadabay culture. The reason is that some squirrels, dogs, and horses have been found in these tombs. Furthermore, finding an altar platform from the cemeteries and the mixture of soil covering the upper part of the tombs, along with pieces of pottery, has been recognized by archaeologists as a sign of the burial rite with the reception. Sometimes, the temple is built in the settlement area and sometimes in cemeteries and non-settlement, indicting worships in both parts. One of the important features of this culture is the decoration of pottery with animal heads, including ram heads, which were obtained from the Goy Tepe (Figur: 20) and belongs to the Iron Age II. The decoration of the utensils with the heads of animals such as cows, horses, and other animals, in addition to pottery, is also reflected in bronze objects. Pottery with embossed decorations with animal heads (ram or cow heads) from Zayamchai Cemetery of the Republic of Azerbaijan, is seen in this culture. These potters have two holes near the edge and the crescent sign inside the bowls. Like this type of earthen bowl, some potteries were detected in Dinkhah Tepe (Figur: 22) and Kordlar Tepe (Figur: 23). Based on the discovery of uninhabited cemeteries in the foothills and mountainous areas along with the settlement in the lowlands, archaeologists have concluded that the livelihood and lifestyle of the Khojaly-Gadabay culture were semi-nomadic and the inhabitants in mountainous areas had been engaged in livestock and agricultural activities.

A study on the historical shrine of Emamzadeh Aghil of Yasokand, Bijar

Maryam Mohammadi; Javad Neyestani; Ali Reza Hojabri Nobari

Volume 4, Issue 1 , July 2012, , Pages 221-237

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2012.35383

Abstract

During the first Islamic centuries, Kurdistan is one of areas that there has been little information on architectural and monumental structure of this area. In such a situation, Imamzadeh ... Read More

Cultural dynamics of the second half of the fourth millennium BC and the roots of early urbanization in southeastern Iran (3500-3000 BC)

Hossein Moradi

Volume 12, Issue 4 , May 2021, , Pages 221-238

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2021.313602.142951

Abstract

During the late fourth millennium B.C some changes took place in many archaeological sites of south eastern Iran that affected the different aspects of life in the region. By ... Read More

Torpedo Jars of Iran: Context of Archaeological Discovery and Origin of the Bitumen Coating

Jacques Connan; Mohammad Esmaeil Esmaeili Jelodar; Michael. H. Engel; Alex Zumberge; Mehdi Azarian; Jebrael Nokandeh

Volume 16, Issue 2 , September 2024, , Pages 269-307

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2025.380179.143282

Abstract

One of the most important potteries used in Persian Gulf (Middle East) maritime trade with a large part of the ancient world, including the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, the Indian ... Read More One of the most important potteries used in Persian Gulf (Middle East) maritime trade with a large part of the ancient world, including the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka, and finally the country of Thailand. (Suriname ship cargo) earthenware jar called Torpedo-jar or storage jar. Although this type of pottery was dated by most researchers to Sassanian era, this type was used in trade and burial from the Parthian period to early Islamic era or 3rd century BC to 9th century AD (Kennet, 2004: 85). The most important feature of these types of jars is the coating of bitumen on its inner surface. So far, archaeologists have not succeeded in finding a kiln for the production of this type of pottery, so it is very important to know the place of pottery production and the bitumen mine used in them. In this article, using the method of geochemical laboratory studies and a comparative study, the bitumen samples taken from the torpedo jars from the south and southwest of Iran were investigated. In this research, 15 pieces of pottery with tar coating belonging to the archaeological excavations of Siraf and Mahruban ports on the coast of the Persian Gulf (south of Iran), related to the Sassanid and Islamic period, and samples from Shush and Shushtra region from the Parthian and Sassanid periods were selected.The sample of the Susa area is from the Iran National Museum and belongs to the archaeological excavations of Susa region, the sample of Ivan-i Karkheh is related to the Dezful region, and the sample of the Dastova area is also related to the Shushtar region in Khuzestan province, southwest of Iran. All bitumen samples were analyzed geochemically with the aim of determining the origin of bitumen in its specialized laboratories in Europe and America. The main result of the research shows the use of bitumen from the bitumen springs of Khuzestan, Lorestan, Ilam and Kermanshah provinces in the studied pottery (Fig.1).

Who Were Serving Passengers on the Royal Road?

Leila Makvandi

Volume 9, Issue 2 , April 2018, , Pages 157-175

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2018.216513.142336

Abstract

Historical sources provide valuable information related to extent, control and maintaining security, stations and its services about Achaemenid Royal Road, but they tell nothing about ... Read More

Topheth Human Sacrifice Altars in Jerusalem According to Old Testament and Islamic Resources

Javad Neyestani

Volume 7, Issue 2 , December 2016, , Pages 165-174

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2015.57754

Abstract

The Topheth (in Ancient Jerusalem), considered as a holly land in Canaanites period, it was the altar of human sacrifice in honor of Baal. The history of the ritual, human sacrifice ... Read More

An Analytical Study on the Objects of the Oxus Treasure

Sadreddin Taheri; Reza Bayramzadeh

Volume 10, Issue 2 , January 2019, , Pages 171-184

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2019.68537

Abstract

This article tries to look at the Oxus treasure and to have a survey on this glorious ancient collection, typology of its objects and semiotics of its motifs. Our most important purposes ... Read More

How Darius Build the Suez Canal? Its Political-Economic Impact in Achaemenid Period

Rahim Velāyati

Volume 1, Issue 2 , February 2010, , Pages 177-201

Abstract

If we consider the starting of Achaemenian Empire in 559 BC, the year that Cyrus, the second, came to power and its ending in 332 BC, the year that Iran was conquered by Alexander, ... 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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