Journal of Archaeological Studies

Research and Analysis of the Parthian Settlement Pattern in the West Plain of Urmia Lake, Based on Geographic Information System (GIS)

Farangis Mirzaie Damirchi; Alireza Hejebri Nobari; Seyed Mehdi Mousavi Kouhpar

Volume 15, Issue 1 , April 2023, , Pages 183-212

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2019.288384.142777

Abstract

Nowadays, Archaeologists use spatial analysis of environmental data and archaeological field findings to clarify the patterns relating to the scattering of ancient settlements and their ... Read More

Systematic Survey and Site Formation Process of Khaneh-sar 1, a Paleolitic site in eastern Mazandaran

Hosein Ramzanpour; Kamaleddin Niknami; Sajjad Alibaigi

Volume 16, Issue 1 , February 2024, , Pages 185-205

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2021.322540.143010

Abstract

The archaeological site of Khaneh-sar 1 represents a geological facies comprising Pleistocene deposits situated southeast of the Caspian Sea, approximately 700 meters east of Komishan ... Read More

An analysis on the political history of Indo-Parthian kingdom

tahere azizipoor

Volume 12, Issue 2 , September 2020, , Pages 187-203

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2020.277123.142690

Abstract

Archaeologically, and historically Indo Parthian kingdoms is not a well-known for us they have not has been mentioned in mythological history and in the historical resources of early ... Read More

Introduction and Analysis of the Architecture of the Tomb of Sultan Ibrahim Reza in Darmian City and Reading the Relics of its Historical Writings

Ali asqar Mahmoodinasab; Seyyed rasool Mousavi Haji; abed taghavi

Volume 13, Issue 4 , September 2022, , Pages 189-213

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2021.280274.142706

Abstract

The study of Islamic Period buildings in Iran proves the presence of countless religious and non-religious tombs that are scattered in most parts of this border and region. As one of ... Read More

The Geographical and Cultural Boundaries of Central Zagros and Central Plateau of Iran

Abbas Motarjem; Rouhollah Yousefi Zoshk; Majid Zeyghami

Volume 12, Issue 1 , May 2020, , Pages 199-220

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2020.264896.142611

Abstract

The different environmental features of the Central Iranian Plateau and the Central Zagros region, including the type of access to hydrological resources adjacent to the climatically ... Read More

Preliminary analysis of the pottery from Nay Tappeh, an Iron Age site in the Gorgan Plain

Mahdi Jahed; Kamaleddin Niknami; Jebraeel Nokandeh; Mostafa Dehpahlavan

Volume 17, Issue 1 , June 2025, , Pages 199-231

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2021.323464.143017

Abstract

AbstractThis study examines and classifies Iron Age pottery from Nay Tappeh, a site in the Gorgan Plain, the historically known region of Hyrcania (Varkaneh). Hyrcania, one of the most ... Read More AbstractThis study examines and classifies Iron Age pottery from Nay Tappeh, a site in the Gorgan Plain, the historically known region of Hyrcania (Varkaneh). Hyrcania, one of the most significant archaeological regions in the Iranian cultural sphere, has been the research focus for over a century. However, fundamental questions remain, particularly regarding Iron Age pottery’s forms, chronology, and cultural links to the region’s Bronze Age traditions. This article presents a detailed analysis of pottery recovered from rescue excavations at Nay Tappeh, conducted by J. Nokandeh. The study follows a three-stage methodology: classification, analysis, and interpretation. Its primary objective is to explore the relationship between Nay Tappeh’s pottery and Bronze Age Hyrcanian pottery while comparing it with Iron Age pottery from the Gorgan Plain, Dehistan, the Central Plateau, and other Iron Age archaeological regions of Iran. The ceramics from Nay Tappeh have been categorized into 25 main groups, classified under two broad types: open-mouthed and closed-mouthed vessels. These forms exhibit striking similarities with pottery from Archaic Dehistan, North Khorasan, Semnan, Mazandaran, Gilan, and western Iran. Comparative analysis suggests that the pottery of Nay Tappeh dates to the late Iron Age II, Iron Age III, and the early Achaemenid period. Despite gradual changes over time, these pottery forms maintain strong ties to Bronze Age traditions, reflecting a sense of cultural continuity in the region.Keywords: Hyrcania, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Nay Tappeh, Pottery Classification. 1. IntroductionThe region of Varkaneh/Hyrcania (Fig. 1) is one of the most significant archaeological areas within the Iranian cultural sphere. Despite over a century of research, many fundamental questions remain unanswered, particularly regarding the comprehensive classification of Iron Age pottery and its chronological connection to the Bronze Age in the same region.This article focuses on the classification of pottery recovered from rescue excavations at Nay Tappeh in the Gorgan Plain, conducted by J. Nokandeh. The excavation reached the natural soil layers, uncovering artifacts dating to the Iron Age (Fig. 2).In archaeology, the study of pottery assemblages typically involves three stages: classification, analysis, and interpretation. While “classification” and “typology” are often used interchangeably, typology is generally considered a more specific form of classification. This study follows these three stages, giving special attention to the continuity of pottery forms from the first half of the second millennium BCE. This focus is driven by the striking similarities between the pottery of Nay Tappeh and that of Archaic Dehistan, which some scholars associate with earlier pottery traditions in the Gorgan Plain and surrounding regions. Additionally, this research seeks to explore the broader cultural geography of Iron Age pottery in the Gorgan Plain, Archaic Dehistan, and other key areas within the Iranian cultural sphere.The value of this study lies in its potential to bridge gaps in our understanding of cultural transitions in Hyrcania, a region historically positioned at the crossroads of civilizations. By examining pottery forms, we can trace not only technological and artistic developments but also the movement of people and ideas across time and space. 2. Materials and MethodsThis investigation combines a morphological analysis of pottery with the creation of a comparative database. The primary goal is to trace the evolution of Iron Age pottery forms from the Late Bronze Age by comparing them with earlier Hyrcanian pottery. Furthermore, the study compares pottery from Nay Tappeh with Iron Age assemblages from the Gorgan Plain, Dehistan, the Central Plateau, and western and northwestern Iran.The research seeks to address three main questions: What are the formal similarities between Nay Tappeh pottery and Bronze Age Hyrcanian pottery? Based on comparative analysis, where does Nay Tappeh fit within the Iron Age chronology of Iran? How can the similarities and changes in pottery forms be interpreted in the transition from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age in this region? To achieve these objectives, the study employs a comparative approach based on typological analysis. Additionally, comparative studies have been conducted using pottery from sites excavated during the Gorgan Wall excavation projects. This integrated methodology provides a more comprehensive understanding of the pottery’s cultural and chronological context. 3. DataPottery constitutes the majority of artifacts found at Nay Tappeh and has been classified into 25 main groups based on morphology. These groups are divided into two primary categories: open-mouthed and close-mouthed vessels, with an additional category for kitchenware. These categories are then compared with Bronze Age pottery from Hyrcania and Iron Age pottery from northern Iran (Plates 1-3, Table 1).The pottery forms from Nay Tappeh show remarkable similarities to those from ancient Dehistan and align closely with examples documented by scholars such as Arne (1945), Deshayes (1969), Olson and Thornton (2019), Schmidt (1937), Salzman (2014), Abbasi (2011), Mahforozi and Piller (2009), Ghasemi (2017), and Khlopin (1983, 2002). These scholars have identified similar forms in Late Bronze Age sites such as Shah Tappeh IIa, Turang Tappeh IIIc, Hesar IIIc, Narges Tappeh, and Gohar Tappeh. Notably, some forms resemble those attributed by Deshayes (1969) to the IIIb period of Tureng Tappeh, including dishes, simple and carinated bowls, bowls with obliquely cut rims, spouted bowls, deep bowls, lids, various pots, teapots, and kitchenware.The pottery forms from Nay Tappeh also exhibit strong parallels with contemporaneous assemblages from Dehistan, North Khorasan, Semnan, Mazandaran, Gilan, the Central Plateau, and western and northwestern Iran. Additionally, two distinctive forms tripods and bowls with horizontal handles appear in the Nay Tappeh assemblage. These forms first emerged in the mid-second millennium BCE at sites such as Pardis and Seram on the Central Plateau.The presence of these unique forms suggests a degree of regional specialization, possibly linked to specific functional or cultural practices. For example, tripods may have been used for cooking over open flames, while bowls with horizontal handles could have served ceremonial purposes. However, such interpretations require further contextual evidence to confirm.Based on comparative analysis, the pottery from Nay Tappeh can be dated to the late Iron Age II, Iron Age III, and the early Achaemenid period (Table 1). At the same time, these forms demonstrate clear continuity with Bronze Age traditions despite undergoing evolutionary changes. If we rely solely on published pottery evidence and absolute dates, it appears that between approximately 2100 and 1600 BCE, Bronze Age cultures in the region maintained earlier pottery traditions while introducing new forms. However, this period also marked a transitional phase, often characterized as a decline, which eventually led to the emergence of Iron Age I. Following this transition, a gap of approximately 100 to 200 years is observed before the onset of Iron Age II and III cultures, which left a distinct archaeological footprint across the region. 4. DiscussionThis study demonstrates that, despite gradual changes, the pottery forms from Nay Tappeh maintain a strong connection to Bronze Age traditions, reflecting cultural continuity in the region. The findings underscore the significance of Nay Tappeh as a key site for understanding the transition from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age in Hyrcania and its broader cultural connections within the Iranian sphere.The pottery from Nay Tappeh provides valuable insights into the cultural and chronological developments in Hyrcania during this transition. The classification of 25 main groups of pottery, divided into open-mouthed and closed-mouthed vessels, reveals significant similarities with contemporaneous assemblages from Dehistan, North Khorasan, Semnan, Mazandaran, Gilan, and western Iran. The presence of distinctive forms, such as tripods and bowls with horizontal handles, further highlights the cultural interactions between the Gorgan Plain and the Central Plateau during the second millennium BCE.One of the most intriguing aspects of this study is the evidence of cultural resilience in Hyrcania. Despite external influences and internal changes, the region’s pottery traditions exhibit a remarkable degree of continuity. This resilience may be attributed to the region’s geographical isolation, which allowed it to preserve its cultural identity while selectively adopting external innovations. 5. ConclusionThe dating of Nay Tappeh pottery to the late Iron Age II, Iron Age III, and early Achaemenid period, alongside its continuity with Bronze Age traditions, underscores the region’s cultural resilience and adaptability. This study not only contributes to the understanding of Iron Age pottery in Hyrcania but also emphasizes the need for further research to address unresolved questions regarding the region’s archaeological chronology and cultural geography.Future research should focus on expanding the comparative database to include more sites from neighboring regions. Such approaches could provide deeper insights into the functional and symbolic roles of pottery in ancient Hyrcanian society.

Archaeological/Archaeometric study by Using PIXE-Analyses on the Provenance and Production of the Luster Wares from the Underground Complex of Tappeh Ghaleh, Khomein, Iran

majid montazer zohouri; mohammad torkiha; hesam taheri

Volume 12, Issue 2 , September 2020, , Pages 205-224

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2020.288850.142778

Abstract

Archaeologically, analytical research of chemical elements on ancient objects gives important information on the raw materials and the production techniques. PIXE analysis is one of ... Read More

Archaeological Survey of the Water Supply System and Water Cycle at the ʿĀli Qāpu Palace of Isfahan

Elahe Rouhollahi; Ali Shojaee Esfahani; Saeed Ghaseminezhad

Volume 16, Issue 1 , February 2024, , Pages 207-230

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2023.360435.143214

Abstract

The Āli Qāpu Palace, one of the grand constructions erected during the Safavid period (907-1135 AH) in Isfahan, stands out as one of the most renowned architectural marvels of its ... Read More

The Role and Function of Shells and Shell Beads in the Temple Surkh Dom Lori

Parisa Naseri; Abbas Motarjem; David ُS Reese

Volume 15, Issue 1 , April 2023, , Pages 213-241

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2022.337720.143080

Abstract

Shell, as the natural shell of some mollusks, has always interested humans. Some of these ‎species have been part of man's diet since the beginning of his cultural development. ... Read More

Notes on the Sasanian Alabaster Disc in the Cleveland Museum of Art

Parasto Masjedi Khak; Mostafa Khazaie Kouhpar

Volume 13, Issue 4 , September 2022, , Pages 215-232

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2021.280949.142715

Abstract

Among the Sassanid artifacts is a disc at the Cleveland Museum of Art. There is no information about person engraved on the disk, just in the Cleveland Museum's recorded information, ... Read More Among the Sassanid artifacts is a disc at the Cleveland Museum of Art. There is no information about person engraved on the disk, just in the Cleveland Museum's recorded information, and idea of Dorothy Shepard, this hunter man is Ardeshir II of Sasanian Dynasty. Due to the unusual form and uniqueness of disc among the Tape Hesar Bronze Age culture works, and despite the fact that the motif and subject engraved on it are characteristic of the art of the Sassanid period; But with the help of archaeological data, interesting information can be provided. The objectives of this study are to understand the person engraved on this marble disk In this study, In addition, the authors try to evaluate the origin of the marble disk based on archaeological findings so that they can speculate about the geographical area production of this object and determine whether this work is the production of the area from which it was found. Or was it produced elsewhere in the realm of the Sassanid kingdom? the authors have shown similar examples of disks from the prehistoric period and have shown that the construction site of this object in North and Northeastern Iran is in sites that contain both Bronze Age cemetery and the Sassanid period remains. And the original disk belongs to the Bronze Age and the culture of Hesar / Gorgan, examples of which have been found in the tombs of this period. Also, considering the form and decoration of the crown engraved on this disc and its comparison with the crown of Ardeshir II in the Taq-e Bostan and the plate of Ardeshir II recovered from the Mes Aynak site in Afghanistan, it seems that Ardeshir II could not be the king engraved on this disk. The depicted person on this plate is probably one of the Sassanid princes who ruled the Northern region or one of the local dynasties kings; during early Islam of the region, dynasties that remained faithful to the Sassanid traditions for several centuries. However, we will need more information from archaeological or incidental findings to reinforce these ideas or change it.

Evidence of Administrative Technology during the Fourth Millennium BC in the Qazvin Plain, Iran

Niloufar Moghimi; Hossein Davoudi

Volume 12, Issue 1 , May 2020, , Pages 221-241

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2020.255851.142552

Abstract

The study of transition process of prehistoric societies from egalitarian stage to the classified and state, is one of the important subjects of archaeology. The administrative technology ... Read More

Cultural Developments in the East of Fars During the Fourth and Third Millennium BC

Majid Mansouri

Volume 12, Issue 2 , September 2020, , Pages 225-245

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2020.256262.142557

Abstract

The first archaeological work in east of Fars, conducted by Sir A. Stein in 1934. However, an intensive survey, directed by De Miroschedji, was carried out in this region in 1971-72. ... Read More

Forging Historical and Cultural Monuments in Iran

Mohamad reza Zahedi; Hasan Karimian

Volume 16, Issue 1 , February 2024, , Pages 231-251

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2020.285309.142753

Abstract

Since the onset of the Enlightenment in the early 18th century, and the subsequent establishment of museums, galleries, and private collections, the acquisition of cultural artifacts ... Read More

Recognition of the Great Khorasan Road in the North of Markazi Province

majid montazer zohouri; esmail sharahi

Volume 13, Issue 4 , September 2022, , Pages 233-260

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2020.286724.142763

Abstract

Undoubtedly, the Great Khorasan Road, known as the Silk Road, has been one of the most important trade routes during the historical periods of Iran. In a comprehensive perspective this ... Read More

Qala Kohzad-e- Veyzenhar: Parthian Mithraeum or Sassanid Fire Temple?

Younes Yousefvand; Farshad Miri; Mousa Sabzi

Volume 17, Issue 1 , June 2025, , Pages 233-260

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2024.367985.143243

Abstract

AbstractQala Kohzad was built on the heights of Weyzenhar/Veyzenyar Mountain in the southwest of Roumeshgan plain (western Lorestan). The archeological excavation of the site in the ... Read More AbstractQala Kohzad was built on the heights of Weyzenhar/Veyzenyar Mountain in the southwest of Roumeshgan plain (western Lorestan). The archeological excavation of the site in the late 1960s revealed a series of architectural units made of stone rubble and plaster mortar measuring 17x38m. These spaces consist of two domed chahar-taq rooms with a cruciform plan, a quadrangular hall with corridors on its northern and southern sides, and some other facilities. The use of features such as decorative columns, plasterwork with a rose pattern, some interventions in architectural elements and bronze sculptures of unknown origin, led the explorer of the area to believe that the building of the Qala-Kohzad could be categorized as among the “mithraeums left from the beginning of Parthian rule.” However, the structural characteristics and the arrangement of architectural spaces, along with other evidence obtained from the building (namely, ceramics), do not confirm this assessment. In the current research, by combining the information obtained from the field survey and library sources, an attempt is made to shed light on the uncertainties about the function and chronology of the building as much as possible. Research findings and existing archaeological evidence show that the monument of Qala-Kohzad is not particularly related to a Mithraeum or an Anahita Temple. In fact, the remains of architecture or symbols and signs that can be used to prove the worship of the god Mithra or Anahita in Qala-Kohzad have not been found. The technical characteristics of the building, such as the use of curved arches and the use of conical philiposhes for erecting domes, along with the typology of the pottery samples, indicate that building belongs to the Sassanid period. The monument’s plan and the arrangement of architectural units, such as the combination of domed cruciform chambers with circular corridors and central hall, evokes the common pattern of fire temples of the Sassanid period. The existence of the remains of the base of the fireplace and the cubic-rectangular platforms in the interior of the chahar-taq of Qala Kohzad can be understood in the direction of performing religious ceremonies in connection with Zoroastrianism.Keywords: Roumeshgan, Qala Kohzad, Mehrabeh, Fire Temple, Parthian and Sassanid Periods. 1. IntroductionThe Qala Kohzad complex, located on the top of Veyzenhar mount at the westernmost edge of the Rumeshgan Plain, is one of the most significant architectural remains in Rumeshkan County and Lorestan Province. Archaeological excavations in 1988 uncovered an interconnected architectural complex consisting of two chahar-taqs surrounded by rooms, a central hall, corridors, and a columned vestibule, all built with rubble stone and gypsum mortar (Motamedi, 1992). Despite extensive excavations that revealed a substantial portion of the site’s architectural structures and a large number of cultural artifacts, these valuable findings have not been utilized to analyze the function and chronology of this important structure. Researchers such as Motamedi (Motamedi, 1992: 10) and Hassanpour (Hassanpour, 2010: 98) have proposed that Qala Kohzad was originally a mithraeum from the early Parthian period, later converted into a fire temple during the Sasanian era with minor architectural modifications. However, a more detailed assessment of the site’s architectural evidence and archaeological finds does not support this hypothesis. Therefore, this study aims to review all available evidence to complement previous studies and address the historical and functional significance of this important structure. The primary research question is: What was the function of the Qala Kohzad, and in what period was it constructed? The research hypothesis suggests that the architectural structure and spatial organization of Qala Kohzad do not align with Mithraic religious sites but rather correspond to the architectural characteristics of Sasanian fire temples. This study adopts a historical-analytical approach, gathering data through field visits and documentary research. 2. DataThe overall architectural composition of the site consists of a series of interconnected spaces extending along an east-west axis, measuring 38 meters in length and 17 meters in width (Fig. 2 & 3). The complex comprises two interconnected chahar-taqs (situated at the center and west), a rectangular hall, and several roofed spaces along the northern and southern sides of the hall. The entrance is located on the eastern side and was accessed via a staircase leading to the hall. The structures are built from rubble stone and gypsum mortar. The western/external chahar-taq of Kohzad is a cruciform space measuring 8.20×7.20 meters with two entrances on its northern and southern sides. Its core consists of four massive piers, measuring 1.2×4.2 meters (western piers) and 1.6×4.2 meters (eastern piers), supporting a dome - now-ruined. Interior elements of this structure include two flooring layers, a gypsum column base shaped like a truncated pyramid with grooves, a rectangular stone and gypsum platform adorned with star motifs, concentric circles, and floral patterns on its exterior surface. The central chahartaq features a cruciform plan with dual northern and southern entrances, a western platform, and a tiered central platform showing evidence of repeated fire use. To the east of the central chahar-taq lies a rectangular hall extending from east to west, flanked on the north and south by two vaulted corridors measuring 2×13 meters. A narrow partition divides the southern corridor into eastern and western sections, each with access points leading to the hall and the southern chamber of the central chahar-taq. Similarly, the northern corridor is divided into two sections by a narrow wall in its central portion. 3. DiscussionAccording to Motamedi, “Qala Kohzad was initially built as a Mithraeum for the worship of Mithra and possibly Anahita. During the Sasanian period, it was slightly modified to function as a fire temple. He attributes the central chahar-taq to Mithraic worship and the external/western chahar-taq to Anahita” (Motamedi, 1992: 10). His conclusion is based on cultural artifacts, including bronze figurines and decorative gypsum elements. However, to the best of our knowledge, no structure in Iran has been definitively identified as a mithraeum. The few possible examples, such as cave-like structures and architectural elements at sites like Zahhak Castle (Hashtrud), Mehr Gosaedi, and Mohammadabad Dashtestan, generally consist of corridors, multiple chambers, and main and subsidiary halls arranged in a linear fashion. A comparison of these sites with Qala Kohzad highlights more differences than similarities. Furthermore, the decorative elements found in Kohzad’s chahar-taqs (such as fluted grooves and floral motifs) do not appear in any known Mithraic sites. The chahar-taq structures and surrounding corridors in Qala Kohzad strongly suggest a religious function consistent with Sasanian fire temples. The site shares significant architectural similarities with other Sasanian fire temples such as Chen-Jiyeh (Vanden Berghe, 1977: 182), Kalak-Tamarkhow (Yousefvand & Miri, 2019), Palang Gerd (Khosravi et al., 2018: 283), Shiyan (Rezvani, 2006), and Mil-Milagah (Moradi, 2009: 179). Additionally, the presence of rectangular platforms and fire altar bases inside both chahar-taqs further supports this interpretation. The typology of the site’s architecture, including the chahar-taq design, spatial arrangement, vaulting techniques, and associated pottery, all point to a Sasanian-period construction. 4. ConclusionThe Qala Kohzad, located on Mount Veyzenhar southwest of the Rumeshgan Plain, consists of a large architectural complex featuring two domed chahar-taqs, a rectangular hall, surrounding corridors, a main entrance, a vestibule, and multiple rooms, all built using rubble stone and gypsum mortar. No substantial proof of Mithraic or Anahita worship has been found at the site. Instead, the architectural layout-including domed cruciform chahar-taqs, a central hall, and circumambulatory corridors- closely resembles Sasanian fire temples. Structural elements, such as fire altar bases and rectangular platforms, further confirm the site’s religious function within the Zoroastrian tradition. The construction techniques, including the use of rubble stone set in semi-milled gypsum mortar, massive piers, barrel vaults, and concave squinches, along with pottery typology, all indicate a Sasanian origin. Given the architectural consistency of Qaleh Kohzad with other Sasanian fire temples, it is concluded that Qala Kohzad was initially built as a fire temple during the Sasanian period.

Technical and Historical Identification of Gilded Tiles in Islamic Architecture of Iran

Moslem Mishmastnehi; Mohammad Mortazavi

Volume 12, Issue 1 , May 2020, , Pages 243-261

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2020.264467.142608

Abstract

This article aims to reveal the technical and historical characterizations of gilded tile decorations from the Islamic period architecture of Iran. This research is based on several ... Read More

An Archeology Study of the Identification of Ilkhanid Coins (A Case Study of Abu Zaid Ilkhani's Golden Coins Discovered from Tabriz Jame Mosque in the National Museum of Iran)

Orinab Nazarean; Mohammad Mortezayi; Arman Shishegar; Reza Shabani

Volume 15, Issue 1 , April 2023, , Pages 243-259

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2019.269224.142761

Abstract

Coins are amongst the most recognized and protected data in archaeological research. For this very reason, they are used as a basis for detailed analytical and methodical research to ... Read More

Mountainous Passage of western Central Zagros and Khorasan High Road on the Akkadian Seals

Mohammad Amin Mirghaderi; Kamaleddin Niknami

Volume 12, Issue 2 , September 2020, , Pages 247-266

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2020.256044.142556

Abstract

Abstract: Sar-e Pol-e Zahab region in the western of Central Zagros is located between Central Zagros highland and Mesopotamia and Khorasan high road as only western- eastern road passes ... Read More

Iconographical Analysis of the Royal Hunting Scene on the Sasanian Bear Hunting Plate of Abkhazia Museum

Esmaeil Sangari; Farzad Rafieifar; Sara Yousefi

Volume 16, Issue 1 , February 2024, , Pages 253-275

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2024.366742.143237

Abstract

The bear hunting silver plate housed in the Abkhazia Museum stands out as a distinctive example of artwork from the Sasanian period. Its portrayal of bears being hunted, alongside the ... Read More

Analysis of the Animal Motifs on the Bronze Pins Belong to The 3rdMillennium B.C in the Halil Roud Basin (Case Study)

Fahimeh Mousavi; Behzad Balmaki; Mohammad reza Saeedi

Volume 13, Issue 4 , September 2022, , Pages 261-282

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2019.286038.142758

Abstract

The Halil roud Basin is one of the known ancient sites of the 3rd millennium BC in southeastern Iran. From this basin, following archaeological studies in 2001, more than 300 archaeological ... Read More The Halil roud Basin is one of the known ancient sites of the 3rd millennium BC in southeastern Iran. From this basin, following archaeological studies in 2001, more than 300 archaeological sites during prehistoric to Islamic periods have been identified. The most important relics of this civilization belong to the 3rd millennium BC, which is comparable to the historical relics of the Mesopotamian, Elamite, Central Asian and the Indus Valley civilizations. The main issue of this research is to identify the civilization of Halil roud by studying the symbolic motifs of objects in the form of bar pins that have been identified from all over the Halilroud basin and are kept in the Harandi Museum in Kerman. These objects are 155 pieces of pins, which are a group of simple rods without patterns and 24 of them have a pin head decorated with animal, plant and geometric patterns. The purpose of this study is to introduce and recognize 3 pieces of the above-mentioned pins, which have been selected and studied due to the role the confrontation animals. The role of animals in these pins has been described descriptively-analytically and the themes of these three objects as cultural and artistic findings of Halil roud basin in a comparative study with the themes of the showing areas of the 3rdmillennium BC in southeastern Iran, the Mesopotamian and Central Asian civilization have been evaluated. From the perspective of studying the history of art, by collecting information in a field method, including observing these works in the museum, photography, design, and typology of the motifs, Technique and style of shapes, a comparative study of these motifs has been done. In addition to the field method, these analyzes have been completed using written documents and sources, as a result of the pin and as a result of examining these pins, it was found that the shape of the pins with the body shape of animals such as mountain goats standing on their front legs and symbolically feeding the tree, eagles with raised wings, snakes with open mouths and It is performed in an aggressive manner and the lions sitting in front of each other in a completely symmetrical manner and this state of their symmetry with each other induces their confrontation. Thus, these motifs have been categorized and evaluated in terms of animal confrontation, content and possibly mythological features.Considering the observation and comparison of these motifs, it can be acknowledged that these objects show the influence of the insight and awareness of the creators of these works and the systematic human interaction with the environment and common culture in the past. Which is created through the beliefs, beliefs and aesthetic sense of the producing artist and the similarity of these designs to the animals of other ancient sites shows the common nature of these areas and the cultural influence of artists on each other in creating works of art.

Archaeological Evidence of the Rise of the Dari Persian Language in Khorasan

Ali Hozhabri; Ahmadali Asadi

Volume 15, Issue 1 , April 2023, , Pages 261-292

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2022.343747.143121

Abstract

At the time of the invasion of Iran by the Arabs, the Dari Persian language flourished in the Greater Khorasan region. During the first two decades of the Arab invasion, Dari Persian, ... Read More

A case study of Zoroastrian Religion of the Sassanid Period along the Shores of the Persian Gulf: A New Stamp from Bardestan, Bandar Deir, Bushehr Province

Hossein Tofighian; Fariba Sharifian; Katayon Fekripour

Volume 17, Issue 1 , June 2025, , Pages 261-277

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2024.364329.143228

Abstract

AbstractDuring the Sassanid period, due to the prosperity of Zoroastrian religion, religious buildings were built in the form of four-story fire temples. These fire temples included ... Read More AbstractDuring the Sassanid period, due to the prosperity of Zoroastrian religion, religious buildings were built in the form of four-story fire temples. These fire temples included four-room domed spaces and sometimes had a surrounding portico, which had a fireplace base built into the middle part of the building. The fires of these fire temples were based on their rank and importance including Bahram fire, Adran fire, court fire and then household and personal fires. Despite extensive studies in other parts of Iran, few studies have been conducted regarding the manifestations of Zoroastrian religion, including the structure of fire temples and fire pits on the shores of the Persian Gulf and the determination of the type and importance of the fires burning in them. On the northern shores of the Persian Gulf, which is considered the southern part of Fars study area, only two fire temples of Mohammad Abad, Brazjan and Kanari fire temple have been identified and introduced, Also, a number of fire pit foundations have been introduced in Tell Shahid, Barazjan Castle, Amamzadeh Shah Nooruddin, Keshto and more in Bardestan. Despite the identification of these works, there is not much information about the position and rank of the burning fire in these religious centers. In this article, while briefly referring to fire temples and the base of exposed fire pits on the northern shores of the Persian Gulf (Bushehr province), the Sassanid period seal from Bardestan that shows the burning fire in state fire temples at the level of Azar fire temple. Farnbagh is studied in this area. The abundance of fire pit foundations, the remains of several fire temples and the identification of this seal with inscriptions all around and the Sassanid government mark in the middle part of the seal indicate the centrality of Bardestan in the Zoroastrianism of the northern coasts of the Persian Gulf during the Sassanid period. The present research was formed by using the information obtained from archaeological investigations and accidental discoveries in the northern coasts of the Persian Gulf and was completed with the benefit of library studies.Keywords: Fireplace, The Base of the Fireplace, Pahlavi Inscription, Sassanid Period, Persian Gulf. 1. IntroductionThe rank and importance of Sassanid fires were not the same and there were three groups of fires related to rituals, including Bahram fire, Adaran fire (local fire) and Court fire (family fire) (Moule, 1994: 71). The most sacred of them was the fire of Bahram (state fire), which is called the fire of the victorious king. In these fire temples, such as Azar Ghashensab, Azar Farnbagh and Azar Mehr Barzin, it should burn continuously through any condition. The Adran fire was not burning all the time, and its consecration and purification ceremony was simpler than Bahram’s fire. Court fires are the third rank of Sasanian temples, which was easily prepared and purified from only one fire. The dimensions and glory of the fire temple and the shape and size of the fire pit determine the position of a fire temple. The big and important fire temples had larg and magnificent fire pits and the humble fire pits were related to local fire temples or personal fire temples and low people of Sassanid society (Tofighian, 2017: 196). The manifestations of Zoroastrianism in the study area of the Persian Gulf include several fire pit bases made of limestone, which have been identified because of construction projects (Tofighian, 2017: 195-210). The possible remains of several fire temples have also been identified in archaeological investigations, including Mohammad Abad Borazjan (Yaghmaei, 2009) and Kanari fire temple (Tofighian, 2024). Despite the distribution of fire temples and the foundations of fire pits on the northern shores of the Persian Gulf, the determination of the type and location of the burning fire in these fire temples is not clear. By identifying a short inscription on a Sassanid seal made of agate, we provide valuable information about the rank and rank of some fire temples in the Persian Gulf, such as Bahram fire, which was burning in a fire temple at the rank of Azar Farnbagh fire temple. Of course, what is certain is that not all fire temples in this area have the rank of Bahram fire and they could often belong to local and family fires. 2. Materials and MethodsThe research method in this article is an archaeological survey of the Persian Gulf coast and historical research, and the method of collecting information is a library study and an archaeological survey of the city of Bandar Dayer. As a result of archaeological surveys on the coast of the Gulf of Fez in Bushehr province, many fire pit foundations have been identified. A smaller number of fire temples have also been identified, but thus far not much information has been provided about the type and importance of the burning fire in the fire temples on the coast of the Persian Gulf. In this study, by introducing a seal and its inscription, the worship of the fire of Bahram as the most important ever-burning fire of the Sassanid period in a fire temple at the level of the Azar Farnbagh fire temple is discussed. 3. DataNot much information is available about the fire temples on the coast of the Persian Gulf. In archaeological surveys of the historical ports of the Persian Gulf, the remains of a fire temple were identified and introduced in the vicinity of the village of Kenari in the city of Bandar Dayer. It should be noted that the identification of numerous fire temple bases made of stone or plaster in the shape of two inverted cones and with vertical spoon patterns on them indicates the abundance of Sasanian fire temples on the coast of the Persian Gulf in Bushehr province. The distribution of Sasanian fire temples and hearth bases on the northern coast of the Persian Gulf indicates the spread of Zoroastrianism in these regions. Certainly, in many of these fire temples, local and family fires were burning, but it is conceivable that some of these fire temples had a national status and a higher rank. archaeological studies of the newly discovered port of Bardestan (Bordo), a seal fragment made of red agate has been identified, which bears a short inscription in the Pahlavi-Sassanian language. The study of this inscription provides valuable information about the worship of Zoroastrianism and the determination of the position and rank of the blazing fire in some of the fire temples on the northern coast of the Persian Gulf, which the authors will discuss in more detail in another article.This seal, with the Sassanid government symbol in the middle of the seal and the Sassanid Pahlavi inscription around the seal, indicates that it belongs to a Zoroastrian deity who is the guardian of the blazing fire of Bahram in a fire temple on the same level as the Azar Farnbagh fire temple. Considering the reference of the inscription from Bardestan to the Farnbagh fire, it can be assumed that in the Bardestan region, which has a large scattering of hearth bases and the remains of several fire temples, there was probably a large and first-class fire temple, and the guardian of the fire of this fire temple had a government seal. 4. DiscussionDuring the Sassanid period, the two institutions of government and religion were intertwined, and Zoroastrianism was considered a state religion. The symbol of this connection was manifested in the four-arched structure of fire temples and the blazing fire in the fire pits. Fire temples were a symbol of national unity, and throughout the Sassanid Empire, they had a single model in the construction of buildings and rituals of worshiping Ahura Mazda. The northern coast of the Persian Gulf, as the southern part of the Fars province, was the seat of the Sassanid Empire and was of great importance. In this area, numerous fire temples and stone hearths with vertical spoon patterns had a special place. The role and status of fire temples in the religion and economy of the Sassanid kingdom was so high that the back of the coins of this period was dedicated to the image of the hearth as an economic and financial symbol. The large number of fire temples and stone hearth bases on the northern coast of the Persian Gulf, especially in the Bardastan region, indicates the special position of this region in terms of rule and the prosperity of Zoroastrianism. The fires of the Sassanid temples, in order of importance, included the Bahram Fire, the Adaran Fire, the Court Fire, and then the domestic and personal fires. The fire of Bahram, as the most important ever-burning fire, was worshipped in large fire temples such as Azar Goshnesb, Azar Faranbagh, and Azar Mehr Barzin. The study of the fire pits on the coasts of the Persian Gulf, which are mainly in the form of two symmetrical cones and two trays at the top and bottom, made of stone and sometimes lime, and have a vertical spoon pattern, belonged to high-class and provincial fire temples. 5. ConclosionFew fire temple remains have been identified along the northern coast of the Persian Gulf, with the exception of the Mohammad Abad Fire Temple in Borazjan and the Kenari Fire Temple in Deir County. However, the nature and construction quality of the discovered hearths suggest the significant religious and administrative importance of these Zoroastrian temples during the Sasanian period. Fire pit foundations have been recorded at several sites, including Tell Shahid, Qal‘eh Borazjan, Keshto, and particularly in Bardestan. In addition to these architectural remains, the discovery of an agate seal inscribed with Sasanian Pahlavi script around its border and bearing governmental emblems in its center underscores the elevated status of Zoroastrianism in this region. The seal further suggests that some of the fire temples here may have held official, possibly provincial, rank within the Sasanian religious-political hierarchy. The inscription’s reference to the Farnbagh fire a fire of high rank within the Zoroastrian tradition strengthens the hypothesis that the Bardestan area, with its concentration of hearth foundations and fire temple remains, once housed fire temples of first-order status, potentially functioning at a governmental or provincial level. While the specific fire temple associated with the seal has yet to be identified, it is plausible that it was a state-level temple where the exalted Bahram fire was maintained. Locating this temple with precision will require further archaeological investigation and systematic excavation in the area where the seal was discovered.

A Study and Analysis of Chalcolithic Period in Malayer Plain Based on Stratigraphic Excavation in Tape Gourab

esmail hemati Azandaryai; Ali Khaksar; parvaneh ahmad tajari

Volume 12, Issue 1 , May 2020, , Pages 263-283

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2020.268866.142636

Abstract

Tape Gourab is located at Jourāb Village, a suburb of Malayer township in Hamadan province, adjacent to the link road Arak-Malayer. Archaeological researches led by Ali Khaksar conducted ... Read More

Archaeological analysis and investigations on Shaharyeri in Ardabil province

Alireza Hejebri Nobari; hamid khanali; anil yilmaz; seyed mehdi mosavi kohpar

Volume 12, Issue 2 , September 2020, , Pages 267-283

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2020.256843.142561

Abstract

The Late Bronze Age and Iron Age I represent significant alterations in material and non-material culture of people living in the Iranian plateau. The knowledge and taking advantage ... Read More

Semantic Analysis of Rock Art in the Villages of Moin-Abad, Darbar, Haftan, and Qaleh Gandam-Koh of Tafarsh City

Maryam Mohebali; Ahmad Aliyari

Volume 16, Issue 1 , February 2024, , Pages 277-297

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2023.359699.143221

Abstract

The artists of ancient times created pictures with simple lines and engraved their mark and identity on them. With its special features, this art encourages us to examine the carved ... 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)

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract