Univarsity of Tehran Journal of Archaeological Studies 2251-9297 15 2 2023 12 21 The Settlement Pattern of the Ancient Sites of the Southeastern Sub-Basins of the Caspian Sea, from a Hydro Geomorphological Perspective The Settlement Pattern of the Ancient Sites of the Southeastern Sub-Basins of the Caspian Sea, from a Hydro Geomorphological Perspective 17 41 95633 10.22059/jarcs.2023.353608.143178 FA Afsaneh Ehdaei Ph.D in Geomorphology, Department of Physical Geography, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. Mehran Maghsoudi Associate Professorof of Geomorphology, Department of Physical Geography, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. Seyed Mohammad Zamanzadeh ssociate Professorof of Geomorphology, Department of Physical Geography, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. Mojtaba Yamani Professorof of Geomorphology, Department of Physical Geography, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. Journal Article 2023 01 08 The presence of water resources, particularly rivers, significantly influences site selection. Throughout history, settling near rivers has brought numerous advantages, but it has also posed certain risks. This study focuses on the sub-basins southeast of the Caspian Sea. Initially, we explore the connection between the layout of ancient settlements and the drainage networks. Additionally, we analyze the relationship between flood risk and the settlement patterns of these ancient sites by estimating the flooding risk based on linear, areal, and relief aspects. This research marks the first time such an analysis has been conducted. The findings underscore the importance of proximity to rivers in site selection, with areas close to rivers with lower stream orders being the most favorable for settlements. The study reveals a decrease in the frequency of sites near higher stream orders in relation to flooding risk. Conversely, there is an increase in the frequency and density of ancient sites near the first stream orders and at greater distances from the rivers, coinciding with an elevated flooding risk in the sub-basins. These results indicate that the inhabitants of the southeastern areas of the Caspian Sea sub-basins were cognizant of the flooding danger and factored it into their decision-making when selecting settlement sites The presence of water resources, particularly rivers, significantly influences site selection. Throughout history, settling near rivers has brought numerous advantages, but it has also posed certain risks. This study focuses on the sub-basins southeast of the Caspian Sea. Initially, we explore the connection between the layout of ancient settlements and the drainage networks. Additionally, we analyze the relationship between flood risk and the settlement patterns of these ancient sites by estimating the flooding risk based on linear, areal, and relief aspects. This research marks the first time such an analysis has been conducted. The findings underscore the importance of proximity to rivers in site selection, with areas close to rivers with lower stream orders being the most favorable for settlements. The study reveals a decrease in the frequency of sites near higher stream orders in relation to flooding risk. Conversely, there is an increase in the frequency and density of ancient sites near the first stream orders and at greater distances from the rivers, coinciding with an elevated flooding risk in the sub-basins. These results indicate that the inhabitants of the southeastern areas of the Caspian Sea sub-basins were cognizant of the flooding danger and factored it into their decision-making when selecting settlement sites https://jarcs.ut.ac.ir/article_95633_034500d7fd7abba70f091359d4803ebb.pdf