Journal of Archaeological Studies

An Analysis of Structural Reasons for the Use of Bulbous Domes and their Prevalence in Iran: A Case Study of Shah Mosque in Mashhad

Zeinab Akbari; Javad Neyestani; Mohammadreza Nasiri

Volume 12, Issue 2 , September 2020, , Pages 23-39

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2020.260100.142585

Abstract

Bulbous domes are among discontinuous double-shell domes and has been developed in Iran since the middle of the 9th century AH/ the 15th century AD, concurrent with Timurid period. ... Read More

The Archaeological Survey of Shahivand Region in Chegeni County, Lorestan Province

Mohammad Bahrami

Volume 16, Issue 1 , February 2024, , Pages 25-51

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2023.357444.143193

Abstract

Chegani County is situated in the western portion of Luristan province. In pursuit of comprehensive studies and investigations within Luristan province, the author conducted a survey ... Read More

Southern Lake Urmia in the Iron Age III Period: New Evidence from Mahabad

Vahed Joolaee; Reza Rezaloo; Karim Jajizadeh Bastani; Behrouz Afkhami

Volume 15, Issue 1 , April 2023, , Pages 29-54

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2020.281524.142720

Abstract

According to historical evidence, during the Iron Age III period the southern shores of Lake Urmia were a place where many tribes lived, politically divided among small kingdoms whose ... Read More

Manufacture and Use of Bone Tools in Neolithic Societies: Bone Tools from the Posht-e Forudgah Malayer Mound

Khalil-Ollah Beik-Mohammadi; Fahimeh Rahmani

Volume 17, Issue 2 , August 2025, , Pages 33-65

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2025.400621.143370

Abstract

The Posht-e Forudgah Malayer mound, located on the Malayer Plain in the Central Zagros, represents semi-nomadic communities whose subsistence economy during the Late Neolithic was based ... Read More

Settlement Patterns of the Prehistoric Cultures of the Western Karkheh River Basin during the Village Period

Ramin Yashmi; Farshid Iravani Ghadim; Rahmat Abbasnejad Seresti; Babak Rafiei Alavi

Volume 17, Issue 1 , June 2025, , Pages 37-78

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2024.382436.143297

Abstract

AbstractThe western side of the Karkheh River Basin, situated to the west of Greater Susiana, adjacent to the central Susiana plain, lies along a desert-plain ecotone. This ecological ... Read More AbstractThe western side of the Karkheh River Basin, situated to the west of Greater Susiana, adjacent to the central Susiana plain, lies along a desert-plain ecotone. This ecological zone benefits from a range of environmental resources, including the fertile lands of the Karkheh River Basin, streams, and pastures. It also encompasses settlements dating from the prehistoric, historic, and Islamic periods. The present study seeks to analyze the fundamental environmental and archaeological data from this western side of this region. By offering a comprehensive characterization of settlement patterns during the Village Period, this research aims to explore how dynamic landscape changes influenced these patterns throughout the period under investigation. Through an assessment of settlement configurations across various prehistoric periods, the study will present concrete examples to support a proposed definition of the settlement system in the region. To achieve this, identified settlements will be examined in relation to the distribution and extent of material culture and a chronological framework will be established for each geographical unit. Furthermore, by evaluating the environmental capacities of these units, the research will determine whether the settlement organization during each period can be characterized as centralized, or whether settlement formation followed a more decentralized pattern. Finally, the impact of landscape transformations on the regional settlement system will be analyzed by comparing reconstructed past landscapes to their present state.Keywords: Greater Susiana, Karkheh River Basin, Western Karkheh Region, Village Period, Settlement Patterns, Geomorphology, Palaeoenvironmental Changes. 1. IntroductionConsiderable efforts have been made to study Greater Susiana from the perspective of paleo-climatic reconstruction in archaeological studies, and to a somewhat lesser extent, the role of the reciprocal relationship between humans and the environment during the Initial, Early, Middle, and Late Village periods, which together form the Village Period sequence in this region (Adams 1962; Kouchoukos 1998; Alizadeh et al., 2004). Previous studies conducted in Greater Susiana have revealed the adaptability of human societies and their settlement distribution patterns relative to potential changes in the natural landscapes of this geographic zone (Kouchoukos 1998; Wright 2010; Moghaddam 2012; Rashidian 2020). The study of settlement distribution patterns in the relatively small plains west of the Karkheh River (the Western Karkheh Region, hereafter WKR), which are distinguished by their geomorphological features, forms the basis of this research (Map 1). Settlement is continuous in the region from the Late Neolithic period (Archaic Susiana Phase III) to the dawn of urbanization (Terminal Susa A) and can be assessed within the chronological framework of southwestern Iran (Chart 2). Therefore, the research questions of this study are as follows:1. How did the settlement system in the western plains of the Karkheh River Basin evolve during the Village Period?2. On what basis was the connection between Village Period sites of the Western Karkheh Region formed?3. What role do changes in the Karkheh River’s regime play in the establishment, occupational continuity, and the archaeological visibility of prehistoric sites in the Western Karkheh Region?The focal point of this study concerns the role of the Karkheh River in shaping prehistoric site formation and its taphonomic role in structuring how sites have been detected by previous field research. There can be no doubt of the role of geomorphological factors in both processes, particularly as regards the earliest periods in this sequence, i.e., the Initial and Early Village Period settlements (Late Neolithic period) in the northern plains of Khuzestan. 2. DiscussionIn the WKR region, remains have been documented from the final stage of the Initial Village period (corresponding to the Late Neolithic and the transitional phase from the Neolithic to Chalcolithic, i.e., the Choga Mami Transitional phase), the Middle Village period, and the Late Village period. Evidence from the Archaic Susiana Phase III has been observed thus far in at least three archaeological sites (Map 3: AS III). However, apart from a single piece of pottery at Tepe Ankoush in the Chenaneh Uplands and two other instances at the important archaeological site of Ishan Aswad in the Sorkheh Plain, no significant artifacts have been found in the collected assemblages that can confidently be dated to the following period, i.e., Early Susiana. It is possible that the aforementioned artifact could date back to the Archaic Susiana period. Additionally, while Adams (1962) attributes an archaeological site in this region to the Early Susiana period, none of these cases are sufficient to confirm the distribution of cultural remains from this period in the WKR region (Map 3: ES). A similar situation exists for the Early Middle Susiana period, as no cultural remains that can be definitively dated to this period were observed in the study. Only at Ishan Aswad, in the northernmost part of the study area, were three pottery pieces found that could be attributed to the Early Middle Susiana period. Given the flourishing of this site during later periods, it is possible that these two pieces were either produced and used as a continuation of earlier ceramic traditions during later times, or that older deposits, including those from the Early Middle Susiana period, were buried under newer layers (Map 3: EMS).Fifteen archaeological sites in the region west of the Karkheh River have been dated to the Late Middle Susiana period. The settlements of this period throughout the study area mainly follow a linear pattern along the Karkheh River from north to south. The only exception is Tepe Reqeyveh in the Dowsalaq Plain, which is a settlement from the Late Middle Susiana period located in the westernmost part of the study area (Map 3: LMS).The Late Susiana 1 period exhibits the most extensive settlement spatial distribution across the entire WKR region. Unlike the linear distribution pattern of the previous period, this period displays two types of settlement patterns: linear and clustered, on the eastern and western sides of the study area respectively. The linear pattern begins from the western bank of Karkheh in the Sorkheh Plain, includes the Chenaneh Uplands, and continues toward the easternmost part of the Bagheh Plain. The richness of the archaeological sites gradually decreases from north to south,. The Dowsalaq Plain, on the opposite side of the study area, shows a centralized cluster of settlements from this period. The southernmost identified settlement is Jali’eh Umm-ed-Dibis, which was a minor settlement during this period (Map 3: LS1).During the Late Susiana 2 period, the dual settlement pattern observed in the previous period persists; however, the settlement distribution is limited to the northern part of the study area, and no settlements from this period have been identified in the southern plains of Lekheizar, Bagheh, and Umm-ed-Dibis (Map 3: LS2). Although the former two plains, Lekheizar and Bagheh, also appear to have been unoccupied in previous periods and this condition continued into later Village periods, one must not overlook the impact of rapid or persistent climatic and environmental factors that may have altered the geomorphological conditions of these plains.The Terminal Susa A phase is the last period examined in this study in the region west of the Karkheh River. This period generally follows the patterns of the previous period. However, the number of settlements has significantly decreased, indicating a possible reduction in the population residing in the plains of the study area (Map 3: TS A). The only area that remained continuously inhabited throughout the entire Village period, flourishing and maintaining a significant population, is the extent of the Karkheh River’s alluvial fan in the Sorkheh Plain, which comprises the western terraces of the northernmost part of the study area. 3. Conclusion An analysis of changes in the morphology of the Karkheh River basin shows that the river has shifted its course at least three times westwards (Veenenbos 1956), transforming its wide floodplain into its current state with the gradual change of its course between 1500 BCE and 500 CE (Kirkby 1977). Beyond the crucial role this main channel has played in attracting and shaping the settlements on its western bank, it seems that the linear pattern of the eastern section of WKR Region is not related to the present flow of the river, but was formed on the western terraces when the Karkheh flowed through its ancient course, the Shaur River. Therefore, considering the potential that the area between the Shaur and Karkheh rivers may have had for the establishment of Village period settlements (Map 6), it seems that the remains of this period in the region may not necessarily provide an accurate reflection of the distribution of the sites and the Village period settlement systems in the Western Karkheh Region.

The Typology of Rusa II’s Seal Impressions on the Urartian Bullae of Bastam

Maryam Dara

Volume 13, Issue 4 , September 2022, , Pages 39-70

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2021.325316.143025

Abstract

Urartiand ruled over the shores of Urmia, Van and Sevan Lakes in from about 9th to 7th centuries B.C.E. Bullae are among the smallest but most significant pieces of information they ... Read More

Research on the Advantages of Archaeological Materials Found in the Underwater Archaeological Survey of Bushehr Port

Hossein Tofighian

Volume 12, Issue 1 , May 2020, , Pages 41-58

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2020.250382.142528

Abstract

According to the report of the Center for Marine Medical Studies affiliated to Bushehr University of Medical Sciences about the discovery of pottery fragments from the seafloor in the ... Read More According to the report of the Center for Marine Medical Studies affiliated to Bushehr University of Medical Sciences about the discovery of pottery fragments from the seafloor in the coastal waters of Bushehr Port, Department of Underwater Archeology, Iranian Center for Archaeological Research (ICAR) undertook to study and identify these cultural remains during August 2016. With the participation of professional divers, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences began scientific diving in the Persian Gulf. During the underwater archaeological survey, an area containing clay fragments in the seafloor was identified. The site is located 500 meters from the shores of Bushehr Port and at a depth of three to six meters. Underwater archeological studies of the coasts of Bushehr port in the Persian Gulf, cultural materials including Torpedo jars, small and large glazed crabs and fragments of pottery in the seafloor were identified. Among the cultural findings, a small number of Torpedo jars and more broken pieces of this pottery and several glazed potteries were collected. Torpedo jars and Turquoise glaze pottery are among the most prominent Sassanid pottery in the Persian Gulf that were shipped from Iranian ports to destination ports in the maritime trade. Determining the true nature of this historic site and its dating was one of the major impetus for underwater archaeological diving operations on these beaches, which led to the discovery of cargo from a historic ship from the Sassanid era. In this article, while explaining the underwater archaeology research program of Bushehr port, the discovered pottery of this study, including turquoise and glazed pottery as the most prominent Sassanid and early Islamic pottery in the Persian Gulf, will be discussed. The Sassanid position in the Persian Gulf maritime trade and the importance of trade in this historic period from Iranian ports to destination ports in the Indian subcontinent, the southern coasts of the Persian Gulf and East Africa are carefully considered.

Sphero-Conical Vessels in Islamic Pottery Survey and Explaining of Function

Hessamedin Arman; hossein koohestani; ali zareie

Volume 12, Issue 2 , September 2020, , Pages 41-59

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2020.243476.142486

Abstract

Among human productions, the art of pottery has significantly expressed the thoughts, ideas and mental creativity of human beings throughout history, among which, glazed pottery in ... Read More

Typo-technological Classification of the Chipped Stone Assemblages of Hotu Cave from the Mesolithic to the Transitional Chalcolithic: Reflections on Local Raw Material Procurement in the Caspian Sea Littoral Ecozone

Mozhgan Jayez; Mojtaba Safari; Sana Ghasemi

Volume 16, Issue 1 , February 2024, , Pages 53-86

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2023.357605.143194

Abstract

Prehistoric investigations in the southeastern region of the Caspian Sea commenced more than a century ago, resulting in the identification of several prominent archaeological sites, ... Read More Prehistoric investigations in the southeastern region of the Caspian Sea commenced more than a century ago, resulting in the identification of several prominent archaeological sites, notably the caves of Kamarband, Hotu, Komishan, and Altappeh. These caves have become well-known for their rich archaeological deposits, spanning from approximately 16,000 years ago in the Mesolithic period to the Historic period. Hotu Cave, situated on a cliff along the northern slope of the Alborz mountain range, gained significant attention following its initial excavation in the 1950s by Carleton S. Coon. Excavations conducted over two field seasons lasting nine weeks each revealed valuable insights into the region's prehistoric occupation. In 2021, a team led by Hasan Fazeli from the University of Tehran undertook the re-excavation of Hotu Cave, unearthing 124 archaeological contexts spanning from the Mesolithic to the Historic period. Among the notable findings were 1,539 chipped stone artifacts, predominantly crafted from locally sourced Behshahr chert. The chipped stone assemblage from Hotu Cave exhibits distinctive characteristics indicative of different periods, including pressure removal technique evident in blade-lets and sickle trapezoids dating back to the Neolithic period, alongside ubiquitous scrapers and notched-denticulated tools found across all layers. Technological shifts within the chipped stone assemblage, observed during the recent excavations, reflect changes in subsistence patterns inferred from archaeozoological research on animal remains. However, the interpretation of these technological and subsistence changes is nuanced, as it remains unclear whether they occurred locally and gradually or resulted from external influences, such as demographic movements or the diffusion of ideas from neighboring regions. The chronological gap between the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods complicates the determination of the precise mechanisms driving these transformations solely based on material evidence from Hotu Cave. Further interdisciplinary research integrating archaeological, chronological, and environmental data is warranted to elucidate the dynamics of cultural change in this region during the transition from the Mesolithic to the Neolithic period

A Study on the Reasons of Inshushinak's Absence in the Religious Texts of Persepolis Fortification

sorour khorashadi; Alireza Enteshari Najafabadi

Volume 15, Issue 1 , April 2023, , Pages 55-87

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2022.344574.143135

Abstract

In the religion of Ancient Elamites, various gods were worshiped. One of the most important gods was Inshushinak. Despite the importance of Inshushinak in the history of Elam, his name ... Read More

Assessing Relative Chronology via Identification of Knapping Techniques: The Case Study of Blade and Bladelet Production in Komishan Cave, Mazandaran, Iran

Mozhgan Jayez; Hamed Vahdati Nasab

Volume 12, Issue 1 , May 2020, , Pages 59-80

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2020.257826.142566

Abstract

Regarding the evolution of the production technique over a long period of prehistory, chipped stone assemblages provide many features that are recognizable and suitable for relative ... Read More

Interaction Between Environment and Culture: Geographical Landscape and Archaeological Analysis of Bronze Age Settlements of Horand County

Sahar Bakhtiari; rouhollah shirazi; behrooz omrani; Reza Salmanpour

Volume 12, Issue 2 , September 2020, , Pages 61-81

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2020.250416.142529

Abstract

Horand County is located in the most eastern part of Eastern Azerbaijan Province and is perhaps one of the few areas of Iran where major archaeological activities have not yet been ... Read More

Typological and Structural study of Pottery from Tell Aswad, Damascus, Syria: A Proposed Chronology Based on Thermoluminescence/Optically Stimulated Luminescence (TL-OSL) Dating

Naowar Ahmad; Farshid Iravani Ghadim; Ahmad Aliyari; Mohsen Mohammadi Achachluei

Volume 17, Issue 2 , August 2025, , Pages 67-95

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2025.396851.143353

Abstract

One of the most significant Neolithic sites in southwestern Syria is Tell Aswad. This site was excavated by DeContenson and Stordeur, and a limited number of pottery sherds were recovered. ... Read More

Identifying the Cultural Sequence of Marivan Plain; Based on Archaeological Field Survey

Morteza Zamani Dadaneh; Sirvan Mohammadi Ghasrian; Amir Saed Mucheshi

Volume 13, Issue 4 , September 2022, , Pages 71-96

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2022.279507.142704

Abstract

In recent years, an increasing number of archaeological investigations have produced new evidence for the prehistoric development (both in chronology and settlement patterns) in the ... Read More In recent years, an increasing number of archaeological investigations have produced new evidence for the prehistoric development (both in chronology and settlement patterns) in the westernmost provinces of Iran. Prior to the commencement of the MPAP an earlier survey in the Marivan region had been carried out by the Department of Archaeology at Bu Ali Sina University in Hamadan (Iran). Research focused on the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods and, unfortunately, evidence from the Chalcolithic periods is yet to be published. The Marivan Plain Survey Project, by Morteza Zamani Dadaneh from the University of Kurdistan, Kurdish Studies Institute, conducted a first season of systematic survey for four weeks in the summer of 2018. The goal of MPAP is to reassess previous survey work in the region. Archaeological project of Marivan plain in 2018 resulted in identifying 60 sites from Neolithic to more recent time. Among identified sites: 1 site dating back to PPN Neolithic, 14 site to chalcolithic period (early, middle and late), 2 site to Bronze Age probably, 11 site to Iron Age, 28 site to historic (Parthian) period and 12 site to Islamic era. Regarding the settlement pattern of prehistoric sites (Neolithic and chalcolithic period), it become clear that all prehistoric sites distributed in the northern and southern shore of Zeribar lake. Most probably such pattern influenced from Zeribar sea level and access to the fertilized agricultural lands in this area in Neolithic and chalcolithic times. But the distribution pattern of historic and Islamic sites is somewhat different from prehistoric pattern and is similar to pattern of nowadays residential areas. Current and historic/Islamic residential area placed close to permanent water sources in the narrow valleys surrounded the Zeribar lake. Of course, part of the Marivan Plain is located in the east of the current Marivan City, which is far from Zarivar Lake, and dispersed settlements in this section formed on the edge of the main river, one of the branches of the Garan River

Analysis of the Chalcolithic period of the Moghan plain based on archaeological data from Yatag Tepesi

Ali Karimikiya; Reza Rezaloo; Akbar Abedi; Ardeshir Javanmardzade

Volume 17, Issue 1 , June 2025, , Pages 79-104

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2021.319501.142989

Abstract

AbstractThe Aras River and other waterways in the Moghan region have played a significant role in the development of prehistoric settlements. Despite this, the Moghan Plain has received ... Read More AbstractThe Aras River and other waterways in the Moghan region have played a significant role in the development of prehistoric settlements. Despite this, the Moghan Plain has received relatively little archaeological attention compared to the extensive scientific investigations conducted in the Urmia Lake Basin. One exception is the Yatag Tepesi site in Germi, which has been the subject of systematic research. The primary aim of this article is to introduce the pottery traditions of the region and establish a chronological framework for the study area. To facilitate a more detailed understanding of cultural interactions with neighboring regions during the Chalcolithic period, the study poses the following research questions: based on the analysis of cultural materials, particularly ceramic assemblages, to which cultural period(s) can the study area be attributed? Furthermore, what cultural and geographical connections can be identified between the site of Yatag Tepesi and the surrounding region based on the archaeological evidence? The findings suggest that during the Chalcolithic period, the region exhibited strong cultural ties with other parts of northwestern Iran, particularly the Qarehdagh region, the Urmia Lake Basin, and the South Caucasus. The research employs fieldwork-based methods combined with a descriptive-analytical approach. The distinct characteristics of the ceramics and other cultural materials indicate significant cultural linkages with northwestern Iran. Chronologically, the site is dated to approximately 4500–3700/3600 BCE, underscoring its importance in constructing the broader cultural-historical framework of the region.Keywords: Yatag Tepesi, Moghan Plain, Germi, Chalcolithic period, Northwestern Iran. 1. IntroductionDue to its suitable conditions and special location, northwestern Iran has a sequence of settlements dating from prehistory to the Islamic period. This region of the Iranian plateau has long had an important place in prehistoric studies of Iran due to its proximity to cultural areas such as the South Caucasus, Anatolia, the Zagros, Mesopotamia and the Central Plateau of Iran. The Moghan Plain is located in northwestern Iran, west of the Caspian Sea and north of Ardabil province (northeastern Azerbaijan) and differs from other parts of Azerbaijan in terms of its geographical features. Yatag Tepesi is located nearest to Barzand Ghalasi, along the historical road “Gafgaz Yolu” in the Garmi district of Moghan (Figure 1). This fort is located in the middle of Barzand valley on the west bank of the Barzand Chai at an altitude of 493 meters above the sea level. The main purpose of this article is to introduce the traditions of pottery and to determine its chronological sequence in the study area. To facilitate a more detailed investigation of cultural interactions with neighboring regions and to establish a chronological framework for the studied geographical area during the Chalcolithic period, the following questions are posed. First, based on the analysis of cultural materials, particularly the ceramic assemblages from Yatag Tepesi, to which cultural period(s) can the site be attributed? The main hypothesis in this regard is that the site is related to the Middle Chalcolithic (LC1) and Late Chalcolithic (LC2 3) periods. Second, according to the archeological data obtained at the site of Yatag Tepesi, with which geographical areas does the site have more cultural connections? Studies show cultural connections and commonalities with other regions of northwestern Iran, especially with the Qaradagh region and the Lake Urmia basin, as well as the South Caucasus. The present study was conducted both through fieldwork and using a descriptive-analytical approach. 2. DiscussionArchaeological trenches at Barzand Ghalasi were done with the aim of determining the area and extent of the central citadel and its surroundings. A total of 11 test trenches were excavated on the hill known as Yatag Tepesi. Based on archaeological data obtained from Trench G, two cultural periods were observed. The second period is based on cultural data (potsherds, flint and obsidian tools (Table: 5), mortar and pestle (Figure: 5) and bone tools (Figure: 6) related to the Middle Chalcolithic (LC1) (Figure 2) (Table: 1) and the Late Chalcolithic (LC2 3) (Figure 3) (Table: 2) periods. According to preliminary studies, no data have been obtained from Yatag Tepesi related to the Early Chalcolithic period (Dalma culture). The most important archaeological data that can be dated to this period are ceramics. All the obtained pottery is handmade and the surface of the pottery is normally smooth and polished. Vessel forms vary, including shallow bowls, large bowls, storage containers and large cauldrons (open mouth utensils) and glasses / drinking bowls. Among the pottery, no type of painted pottery was found and from the last locus, a unique piece of pottery was found that belongs to the bottom of the pot / vat (Figure: 4), which has a diameter of 31 cm. According to anthropological evidence, open mouth containers are more compatible with containers dedicated to the storage of dry materials and given the availability of this type of utensils, it is possible that the people living at Yatag Tepesi in the Chalcolithic period relied on agricultural products. It is also possible that the presence of stone tools such as mortars and pestles could be related to agricultural activities, although the presence of animal bones and their residues, as well as the figurine of a cow may also confirm the existence of livestock. 3. ConclusionBased on the excavation, two cultural periods have been identified at Yatag Tepesi, the second period of which is related to the Middle Chalcolithic (LC1) and the Late Chalcolithic (LC2 3) periods. All pottery is handmade and the surface of the pottery is normally smooth and polished. Vessels come in a variety of forms, including open-mouthed and narrow-mouthed, and most of the pottery obtained is of the open-mouthed type. Based on the faunal record, as well as a clay figurine that probably depicts a bovid, tools such as pestles, mortars and similar tools, we can ascribe the locus of excavation as a residential area. Additionally, the presence of straw impressions throughout all excavated layers down to the virgin soil suggests that the site may have functioned as a seasonal pastoral settlement. The cultural remains of the area belong to the Middle Chalcolithic / Pisdeli / LC 1 and Late Chalcolithic / LC 2-3 and chaff faced pottery. This period (Middle and Late Chalcolithic) is generally referred to in northwestern Iran as Hasanlu VIII. In absolute chronological terms, according to radiocarbon samples from the two sites of Dava Goz III and Kul Tepe VII and via relative chronological corroboration with other prehistoric sites belonging to the same period, the site likely dates to 4500-4200 BCE.

An Investigation of the Dating of the Main Gateway of Arg-e-Bam

Afshin Ebrahimi; Asadualla Joodakiazizi

Volume 12, Issue 1 , May 2020, , Pages 81-96

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2020.260241.142589

Abstract

The Arg, situated in the northeast of Bam, is one of the historical complexes which perfectly portrays the landscape of a traditional Iranian town. Despite some research related to ... Read More

An Introduction, Description and Classification of Parthian Pottery from Tepe Balan, Sardasht, First Season

salah salimi; Reza Heidari; yousef fallahian

Volume 12, Issue 2 , September 2020, , Pages 83-106

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2020.206209.142290

Abstract

Tepe Balan is one of the five ancient tepe that has been excavated as part of Sardasht dam’s salvage project. More than 900 diagnostic pottery pieces have been found during the ... Read More

Explaining the Role of Ecological Variables Affecting the Survival Process - Development and Stagnation of Ardabil Islamic City Life

Seyyd mehdi Hosseyni nia; Karim Hajizade; Habib Shahbazi Shiran; Reza Rezaloo

Volume 16, Issue 1 , February 2024, , Pages 87-108

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2019.284959.142750

Abstract

The city of Ardabil, due to its unique geographical and strategic location, was known in the early Islamic centuries as a crossroads and the most important city of Azerbaijan in economic, ... Read More

Coptic Textiles in Tension of the Political, Economic and Cultural Developments of Egypt, Rome and Iran

roya deyjou; Mostafa Dehpahlavan; Kamaleddin Niknami

Volume 15, Issue 1 , April 2023, , Pages 89-106

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2019.293773.142818

Abstract

Copts are famous artists that are responsible for producing woven fabrics with warm and brilliant colors. During this period, we see the effectiveness of textiles as a means of expressing ... Read More Copts are famous artists that are responsible for producing woven fabrics with warm and brilliant colors. During this period, we see the effectiveness of textiles as a means of expressing social status, communication and aesthetic values, which arises from their widespread integration into daily-life from a practical, social and economic-political point of view. Generally, the most important role of Coptic textiles was clothing, which in addition to the functional aspect in burials, provides a clear picture of the diversity of products, weavers skills and social status of individuals. Due to the importance of this fact, the method of covering and a strong desire for fashion is noteworthy. Meanwhile, change in style and weaving techniques follow the reflection of economic and industrial needs, in addition to supplying domestic and foreign markets, it served military needs as well. In this regard, a thorough understanding of the political as well as the import or export of the textiles, requires examination of the many occupations such as the weaving centers, economic factors and aspects of social life that lead to their production and use of the textiles at all levels of society. Therefore, what we are discussing with a historical-analytical approach in this essay is not restricted to the functions, finding place of the textile and the export of the textiles produced beyond the borders of the province but also the multilateral exchange of cultures are considered too. It can be clearly seen in the widespread popularity of some motives and decorative tapestry. This is because in the continuously evolving their production, coptic weavers not only managed to link the heritage of antique, late classical style in Egypt and Sassanian Persia to what the Arab conquerors brought, but also succeeded in leaving an enormous influence in the region of the Roman Empire and thus through the trade of textiles, succeeded in offering their art and textiles industry far and wide.

Ban Makhmal (Faramarz): A Late Chalcolithic Site in the Northern Valley of the Central Zagros, Sonqor and Koliyaei Township, Kermanshah Province

Mohsen Heydari Dastenaei; Rouhollah Shirazi

Volume 12, Issue 1 , May 2020, , Pages 97-116

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2020.245563.142497

Abstract

Despite numerous archeological activities in the recent years in Kermanshah province, there has been little attention to the eastern parts of the province, including Sonqor and Koliaei. ... Read More

The Analysis of Settlement Patterns of Iron Age in Piranshahr Plain Relying on Geographic Information System (GIS)

Obaidollah Sorkhabi; reza rezaloo; KARIM HAJIZADEH

Volume 13, Issue 4 , September 2022, , Pages 97-115

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2021.257545.142564

Abstract

Interpretation of human’s old behaviors in the past and paying attention to complex and interactive processes between humans and the environment to be understood in terms of their ... Read More Interpretation of human’s old behaviors in the past and paying attention to complex and interactive processes between humans and the environment to be understood in terms of their dependence on the components of the natural and ecological environment is the center of modern archaeology’s attention. Archaeological surveys and analysis of settlement patterns are considered well-known methods in archaeology to help identify these interactive processes.With the studies of the Archaeological Board of the University of Pennsylvania on Hasanlu Hill and the Sandus Plain, the southern basin of Lake Urmia became one of the most important archaeological sites and a basis for chronology in northwestern Iran. Meanwhile, Piranshahr plain on one hand due to its proximity toHasanlu area in the north and Rabat area in the south and on the other hand due to the neighborhood of this area with great powers such as Assyria, Urartu and Mana in the first half of the first millennium BC, Is one of the important areas in terms of archaeological studies of the Iron Age in northwestern Iran. This study examined the Piranshahr plain, assuming that the Iron Age settlements of the Piranshahr plain follow a specific settlement pattern. In this research, using field and library studies and geographical analysis models, a methodical and appropriate interpretation of the distribution of Iron Age areas and the first millennium BCPiranshahr plain was presented. Studies have shown that the Iron Age settlements in the region are most affected by two geographical factors, altitude from sea surface and access to rivers, and this has led to the creation of linear networks in the course of rivers resulting to a suitable choice of height relating to the plain. It was also found that the Iron Age settlements of this plain, following the shape of the roughness and natural geography of the region in the first half of the first millennium BC, by creating a specific settlement hierarchy, tended to form an independent local political unit. The existence of this political unit in modern Assyrian writings as Xubuskie could be identified.

Bridging the Gap: Godin Tepe and the Origins of Proto-Elamite Communities

Rouhollah Yousefi; Hassan Afshari Salaki; Donya Etemadifar

Volume 17, Issue 2 , August 2025, , Pages 97-125

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2025.392835.143343

Abstract

Based on archaeological evidence, during the mid and late fourth millennium BCE, Godin Tepe lacked hallmark Uruk material culture (such as distinctive pottery, specific architecture, ... Read More Based on archaeological evidence, during the mid and late fourth millennium BCE, Godin Tepe lacked hallmark Uruk material culture (such as distinctive pottery, specific architecture, or administrative technologies), and thus cannot be identified as a purely Uruk trading outpost. The discovery of tablets with layouts and structures closely resembling Proto-Elamite texts indicates the existence of a local administrative system linked to the management of highland community resources, integrating Godin Tepe into the wider Proto-Elamite economic network. The complementary functions of pastoral nomadism (livestock products and transport services) and sedentary agriculture (agricultural produce and handicrafts) suggest that Godin Tepe acted as a conduit for regional exchange and a seasonal gathering place for nomadic groups. Findings such as the coexistence of Susa II economic tablets and formative Proto-Elamite types, the presence of pottery from the highlands and the central plateau, and the application of standard Proto-Elamite architecture reinforce the site’s role as a multi-cultural commercial hub and a meeting point for administrative technologies (including economic tablets and sealings). Additionally, storage facilities and large jars underline Godin’s function in warehousing and distribution. Chronologically, the material culture of Godin VI:1 bridges the gap between Susa II and Susa III and documents the initial stage of Proto-Elamite formation (ca. 3500–3200 BCE), marking the transformation from purely numerical tablets to fully developed Proto-Elamite texts. This “Formative Proto-Elamite” phase is defined by administrative innovations, cultural diversity, and expanded regional interaction, occurring in parallel with the ongoing Uruk/Susa II culture. Collectively, the evidence positions Godin Tepe not as a peripheral Uruk outpost, but as an active commercial center for Proto-Elamite pastoral nomads, with a central role in the development of administrative systems.

Petrographic and X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy Methods for the study of Beveled Rim Bowls from Kaleh Kub

Nazli Darkhal; Mohamad Hossein Azizi Kharanaghi; Yasin Sedghi; Seyed Iraj Beheshti

Volume 17, Issue 1 , June 2025, , Pages 105-127

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2024.371275.143247

Abstract

AbstractKaleh Kub, an ancient site located in the Sarayan district of eastern Iran’s South Khorasan province has been excavated since 2018, revealing evidence of Beveled Rim Bowls ... Read More AbstractKaleh Kub, an ancient site located in the Sarayan district of eastern Iran’s South Khorasan province has been excavated since 2018, revealing evidence of Beveled Rim Bowls and other diagnostic pottery types attributed to the 4th millennium BCE. Kaleh Kub has a long sequence divided into four different periods, with cultural deposits attributed to the period of early urbanization, notably from the second period of this site, known as the cultural horizon of Susa II. Kaleh Kub is the easternmost site on the Iranian plateau where Beveled Rim Bowls have been found. Given the site’s importance in recognizing the distribution of this pottery type, this paper aims to structurally analyze clay samples and compare them with three sites index sites with similar technology: Chogha Mish, Abu Fandova, and Tall-e Iblis. The analysis found that while the construction technique of the pottery samples followed a similar pattern, their constituent structure was not similar, indicating different origins of construction materials. This suggests local production of Beveled Rim Bowls pottery at the Kaleh Kub site.Keywords: Kaleh Kub, Tall-e Iblis, Chogha Mish, Abu Fandova, Petrography, XRF. 1. IntroductionBeveled Rim Bowls are handmade pottery vessels known for their rough, upturned rims, porous outer surfaces, and smoother inner surfaces shaped by damp hands. These bowls have been found in Mesopotamia, Iran, and parts of Pakistan, with numerous discoveries across various regions of the Iranian plateau. The Kaleh Kub site in eastern Iran is a significant prehistoric location where these bowls have been identified, dating from the 5th to the 2nd millennium BC. Archaeological layers from the 4th millennium BCE at Kaleh Kub contain various pottery types, including Beveled Rim Bowls, indicating potential local production.The site’s archaeological studies suggest that the importation of these potsherds is unlikely due to its distance from similar cultural sites, such as the Pishva Pottery Mound and Mahtoot Abad. The presence of numerous Beveled Rim Bowls strengthens the hypothesis of local craftsmanship. Stratigraphic evidence shows that these bowls are located beneath Bronze Age cultural deposits, with noticeable chronological gaps between the 5th and 4th millennia and those of the later Bronze Age cultures, as indicated by radiocarbon dating.Excavations at Kaleh Kub in 2018 revealed findings similar in pottery type and manufacturing methods to those from Mesopotamia and the Susa Plain, despite the geographic distance. This similarity underscores the significance of local production practices in the region. Overall, the evidence from Kaleh Kub highlights the cultural and historical context of Beveled Rim Bowls within the broader framework of ancient pottery in the Iranian plateau. 2. Sites Studied 2-1. Kaleh KubThe Kaleh Kub Aysk site is situated in the Sarayan District of South Khorasan Province, eastern Iran, at an elevation of 1,360 meters above sea level. The site is notable for the thickness of its cultural deposits, making it one of the few prehistoric sites in the province suitable for archaeological investigation (Fig. 1).2-2. Chogha MishChogha Mish is a prominent archaeological mound located in Khuzestan Province, flanked by the Dez and Karun rivers. The site features two ridges, with the taller ridge known as Tepe Boland, which rises about 27 meters above the plain. The shorter section, called the Terrace, stands approximately 9 to 10 meters high. Tepe Boland covers an area of 150 by 200 square meters, while the Terrace spans 300 by 400 square meters (Fig. 3).2-3. Abu FandovaAbu Fandova is located ca. 12 km south of Susa and consists of two main sections: a circular southern mound at about 80.75 meters elevation and a northern section with two shorter hills reaching approximately 75.30 meters. This site was surveyed by Robert McAdams in 1960-1961, who identified several cultural periods, including Middle Susa, Susa I, Susa II, Susa IV/D, and potentially the Kassite period (Adams, 1962).2-4. Tall-e IblisTall-e Iblis is located in the Bardsir Plain, about 80 km from Kerman, and covers over one hectare, measuring 120 by 100 meters. Initially described by Sir Aurel Stein in 1937, a photograph from 1932 shows that the site reached over 10 meters in height. In 1964, Joseph Caldwell identified six cultural periods at Tall-e Iblis, categorized based on pottery changes, labeled from 1 to 6 (Caldwell, 1967). 3. Laboratory MethodsA James Swift polarizing binocular microscope was employed for the microscopic analysis of the pottery samples. The magnification used in this study was set at 4x. For petrographic analysis, thin sections with a thickness of 30 microns were prepared for 25 pottery samples, which were subsequently examined using the James Swift polarizing microscope. All sections were prepared in the petrography laboratory of the Conservation and Restoration Research Institute. 4. Discussion, Petrographic StudyQuartz: Quartz is present in all examined samples and occurs in two forms: phenocrysts and polycrystalline, exhibiting angular margins within the clay matrix of the pottery. The abundance of quartz varies across the samples; in those from Kale Kub, it constitutes approximately 20-30% of the sample volume, while at Tall-e Iblis, it accounts for about 10%. In the two samples from Abu Fandova and Chogha Mish, quartz makes up 2-5% of the sample volume.Calcite: Calcite is observed in the samples in two forms: micrite (fine crystal) and sparite (coarse crystal). Given the geological structure of the three study areas, calcite is present in primary sources across all locations. The absence of calcite in some samples can be attributed to the high firing temperatures of the pottery. An important aspect of evaluating the firing temperature of pottery is the presence of calcite and carbonate-based minerals in the clay paste, either as temper or as separate inclusions. Calcite serves as a significant thermal indicator; it and other carbonate compounds decompose at temperatures around 800 degrees Celsius. Notably, calcite is absent in Sample 11, suggesting that its firing temperature exceeded 800 degrees Celsius. In contrast, calcite is observed as separate inclusions in the paste of other samples, indicating that their firing temperatures were below 800 degrees Celsius. In samples K-10, T-20, CH-21, and AB-22, the calcite present in the paste is predominantly of the coarse-crystalline or sparite type.4-2. Chemical StudyX-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis of pottery samples from the Kale Kub site and others revealed various oxide compounds, including sodium oxide (Na₂O), magnesium oxide (MgO), aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), silicon oxide (SiO₂), and several others. The analysis included samples from Kale Kub, Tell Iblis, Chogha Mish, and Abu Fandova, as well as soil from Kale Kub, with results expressed in weight percent (wt%) of oxide compounds.The chemical analysis of Beveled Rim Bowls from Kale Kub showed a high concentration of silicon oxide, ranging from 54.7% to 64.4%. For pottery from Tell Iblis, the silicon oxide content was 58%, while it was 37% for Choghamish and 39.2% for Abu Fandova. The soil from Kale Kub contained 54.2% silicon oxide. 5. Discussion of the ResultsThe studied pottery primarily consists of quartz, identified through petrographic analyses. Quartz exists in two forms: single crystals, which is more common, and polycrystalline. Its varying content ranges from 3% to 10% in Kaleh Kub pottery, about 10% in Tell Iblis, and 2% to 5% in Chogha Mish and Abu Fandova. The angular edges of quartz fragments suggest they were added secondarily, indicating mining and grinding activities. The polycrystalline quartz points to granitic and metamorphic origins, implying the use of locally sourced soils. Some samples also show a coarse-grained texture, with calcite minerals present in both primary and secondary forms. 6. ConclusionIn comparative technological studies of ancient ceramics, chemical and mineralogical analyses provide crucial insights into the elemental compositions and minerals used in these artifacts. To trace clay origins, mineralogical comparisons with reference materials are essential. This study reveals that microscopic and chemical analyses, along with macroscopic examinations, show minimal variation in the Beveled Rim Bowls from the Kaleh Kub site in terms of composition and manufacturing techniques. Ancient potters likely employed similar methods and a limited range of raw materials. The potsherds from Tall-e Iblis, Chogha Mish, and Abu Fandova are entirely handmade and exhibit a similar manufacturing pattern, but their raw materials differ from those at Kaleh Kub. Thus, while the same technology and traditions were used, the origins of the potsherds suggest distinct regional affiliations.

The study of glassware during 1-6 centuries Hegmataneh and Bu-Ali Sina museums of Hamadan

Fereshteh sharifi; Mohammadebrahim zarei

Volume 12, Issue 2 , September 2020, , Pages 107-123

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2019.267992.142633

Abstract

Abstract The manufacture of glassware was one of the historical knowledge and technics of pre-Islamic era of Iran, that was continued during Islamic periods. This research is ... Read More

Classification, Typology and Chronology of Iron Age Pottery at the Site of Meydan in Hamadan

Mohammad Shabani; Mohammad ebrahim Zarei; Kazem Mollazadeh

Volume 15, Issue 1 , April 2023, , Pages 107-132

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2023.341348.143105

Abstract

Considering the lack of finds dating to the Median and Achaemenid periods at Hamadan, it is very important to discover evidence from this period in this city. In 2017, during a construction ... Read More Considering the lack of finds dating to the Median and Achaemenid periods at Hamadan, it is very important to discover evidence from this period in this city. In 2017, during a construction operation in Imam Khomeini Square in Hamadan near the site of Hegmataneh/Ecbatana, some historical-era were identified and an emergency excavation led by Mohammad Shabani began. Excavation in this area uncovered three levels: late Islamic, post-Achaemenid and Medo-Achaemenid. Level III, the lowest layer, according to the excavated ceramics, represents the establishment of Iron Age III, or the Median period, which has continued in the Achaemenid period. The pottery of this period, which is classified into Fine, Common/Medium, and Coarse types, appears in the form of subspecies of Buffware, Brownish-Buffware, Grayware, and Cooking ware utensils. The most common vessel forms are bowls and jars. Among the Common types, there are bowls with horizontal handles attached to the edge, as well as bowls with S-shaped edges and jars with clover-shaped spouts. The pottery of this period is remarkably similar to the pottery tradition of Median sites, especially sites such as Godin II, Nush-e Jan, Babajan I-II, and Yelfan Tepe. In some cases, vessels such as bowls with angled and boat-shaped bodies, small simple cups, and jars with triangular rims are also comparable to Achaemenid sites such as Pasargadae and Persepolis, and even Hasanlu III. Based on the comparison of pottery data of this period with sites such as Godin II, Babajan I, and II, the settlement of the third level of Meydan probably began between 7th and 6th centuries BCE and continued until the end of the Achaemenid period. The findings of this period are very important due to the great ambiguities and challenges related to the Median and Achaemenid settlement of Hamadan and also the lack of identification of layers and cultural materials dating to this period, even after a century of archaeological excavations in this city.

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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