Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch
2 Professorof of Archaeology, Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
3 Assistant Professor of Archaeology, Islamic Azad University, Shushtar Branch
Abstract
Throughout ancient periods, geographical conditions and natural factors have had a significant impact on the formation, prosperity, decline, and settlement patterns of ancient sites. This article examines the niche construction of human groups in the northwestern part of the Central Plateau (Qazvin sub-basin) and the settlement pattern from the beginning of the Late Neolithic period to the end of the Chalcolithic period, considering geomorphological and altitudinal characteristics, drainage networks, and paleoclimate. Therefore, using a 30-meter digital elevation model (DEM) and Arc GIS software, the Qazvin watershed sub-basin was delineated. Employing the same software, geomorphological, elevation, distance from rivers, and stream order maps were produced. Subsequently, the locations of ancient sites from these three periods were examined and assessed in relation to the aforementioned factors. To further enhance the interpretation of the data obtained from the analysis of the relationship between ancient sites and the factors in question, these results were examined and analyzed in relation to climatic characteristics and their changes during the Neolithic, Transitional Chalcolithic, and Chalcolithic periods. The results of the study showed that natural conditions, including geomorphology, altitude, drainage networks, and ancient climate, have had a significant impact on the pattern and the discontinuities and continuities of the settlement.
Keywords
- Central Plateau of Iran
- Qazvin Sub-basin
- Neolithic Period
- Transitional Chalcolithic Period
- Chalcolithic Period
- Settlement Pattern
Main Subjects
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