Journal of Archaeological Studies

An Inscribed Cylindrical Seal with Ostrich Image From Lama Cemetery

Amir Saed Mucheshi; Mohammad Javad Jafari

Volume 7, Issue 1 , March 2015, , Pages 95-106

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2015.56679

Abstract

In the third season excavation of Lama Cemetery (Chal Shahin Lama), a cylindrical seal with inscription was found and because of its significance, it was introduced, compared and analyzed. ... Read More

Location of Marhashi on the Basis of Historical and Archaeological Data

Ebrahim Moradi

Volume 6, Issue 1 , September 2014, , Pages 99-110

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2014.52678

Abstract

Based on the historical data, Marhashi has been one of the eventful regions of Iran during the second and third millennium B. C. It has been also one of the important confederates of ... Read More

An Analysis of the Chalcolithic Settlement Patterns of Southern Roudbar Plain, Halilroud Basin

Ali Daneshi; Nasir Eskandari

Volume 10, Issue 2 , January 2019, , Pages 99-118

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2019.68530

Abstract

Roodbar plain and the mountainous surrounding areas of the southeast of Iran have long been a great place to establish the human settlements due to their suitable climate. Archaeological ... Read More

An Archeological Study on the Location of the Ancient City of Veymeh or Deymeh

Mohammad Mortezāi; Ali Farhāni

Volume 1, Issue 2 , February 2010, , Pages 103-120

Abstract

Historians and geographers of the early and middle centuries of the Islamic period have recorded a place known as Veymeh or Deymeh in their writings, which have apparently been among ... Read More

A Study on the Parthian Burial Traditions at Veliran Cemetery in Damavand, Iran

Mohammad Reza Nemati; Ali Sadraei

Volume 4, Issue 2 , February 2013, , Pages 103-121

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2013.32122

Abstract

Since the ancient times, burial practices have displayed certain characteristics among different Iranian ethnic groups and regions were influenced by the local religious orientations, ... Read More

Spatial Archaeology; A Scientific Approach to the Study and Analysis of Architectural Works, Urban Spaces, and Ancient Contexts

AbbasAli Ahmadi

Volume 7, Issue 2 , December 2016, , Pages 103-116

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2015.57750

Abstract

In the past two decades several new approaches have emerged in archeology. New archeology which found its true nature in deep interdisciplinary relations created new approaches involving ... Read More

Trends in Evolution of Pottery in Qal’eh Khān, Bojnūrd

Emrān Gārāzhiān; Vahid Askarpūr

Volume 3, Issue 1 , July 2011, , Pages 107-131

Abstract

Relying upon the theories concerned with the cultural evolution of anthropology and archaeology, and providing a brief review of the related literature, the present article conducts ... Read More

From the Pen of Historians to the Pickax of Archaeologists

Hekmatollah Molla Salehi

Volume 5, Issue 1 , December 2013, , Pages 109-126

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2013.35947

Abstract

Archaeology and history might have many things to do with each other in historical past and present field. Both of them belong to the same category of our historical knowledge. Pickax ... Read More

The Evolution of the Cultural Landscape of Maymand Based on Historical Studies and Archaeological Findings

Meysam Labbaf-Khanii

Volume 8, Issue 2 , March 2017, , Pages 111-130

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2017.61772

Abstract

Geography, history, and the material culture provide the three bases for definition and determination of a cultural landscape. The region of Maymand in northwestern of Kerman province ... Read More

Kombus Bonary: An Islamic Settlement in the Southern Zagros

Ebrahim * Ghezelbash; Ahmad Parviz

Volume 5, Issue 2 , March 2014, , Pages 113-128

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2014.50398

Abstract

Kohgilouyeh and Boyrahmad mountainous region has been played an important role in Iranian archaeology especially where the formation of nomadic communities is discussed. Through history ... Read More

The Role of the Parthian’s Zahhak Complex in the Expansion of Mithraism and its Regional Architectural Characteristics

Behrouz Omrani; Amin Moradi

Volume 6, Issue 2 , March 2015, , Pages 113-130

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2015.54177

Abstract

During history, few eras have been as ambiguous and dark as Parthians. Mithraism ideology had king’s support and promised salvation and a new after-death world to the soldiers. ... Read More

Searching for the Evergetáes: Identifying the Actual Achaemenian Settlemets in Sistan

javad alaei moghadam; seyyed rasool Mousavi Haji; Reza Mehrafarin Mehrafarin

Volume 8, Issue 1 , April 2016, , Pages 113-132

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2016.59498

Abstract

Based on the historical texts from the Achaemenian Empire, there have been tribes living in Sistan known as Drangiana or Zaranka. According to the texts these tribes assisted Cyrus ... Read More

An Overview of the Traditions and Rituals of Burial Practice in South Eastern of Iran with Looking at the Neighboring Civilizations (Fourth and Third millennium BC)

Volume 9, Issue 1 , August 2017, , Pages 113-132

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2017.64008

Abstract

The present paper intends to highlight excavations on cemeteries and the situation and condition of burial corpses to figure out the social behavior of the human past in the south-eastern ... Read More

Rabat Tape: Ancient Hubushkia

Sadi Saeedyan; Fatemeh Gholizadeh

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

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

Abstract

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract

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

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

iraj rezaie; baman firozmandi

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

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

Abstract

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract

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

Study and Introduction of Novel Arch- Construction Method During Median

Kazem Mollazadeh; Saheb Mohammadian Mansoor

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

Abstract

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

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

Zohre Jozi; Muhammad amin Saadat mehr

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

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

Abstract

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

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

Mohamad Hossein Azizi Kharanaghi; Masashi Abe

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

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

Abstract

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

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

Abbas Motarjem; Behzad Balmaki

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

Abstract

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

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

Omid Oudbashi

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

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

Abstract

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

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

Faramarz Sabermoghadam; Haeideh Khamseh; Mohammad Mortezaie

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

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

Abstract

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

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

Afrasiab Garavand; Ardeshir Javanmardzadeh; Akbar Abedi; Fatemeh Malekpur

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

Abstract

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

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