Journal of Archaeological Studies

Abstract According to written sources, the city of Beymand was one of the cities of Kerman province in the early centuries of the Islamic era. Beymand was considered to be one of the more important cities of this era due to its location on the important communication route from Shiraz to Sirjan. By studying the written resources and archaeological findings, we can determine that the  Beymand city of the early Islamic centuries is in the same area as Bagh-Bamid. Studying the pottery of this site between the 1st to 13th centuries AD to make a typology and chronology of these findings is the objective of the current research and it seeks to answer the following questions:  what types of pottery were included in the Pottery findings in this site ? What period does the pottery belong to in terms of chronology? By comparing the pottery findings, can we conclude what the regional and transregional interactions with other neighboring and remote sites were? The research was conducted by doing fieldwork and using library methods with a descriptive-analytical and comparative approach. For establishing the dating and typology of the pottery findings obtained from the study of this area, first, these findings were classified into different groups based on their similarity in form, paste, and decoration. Then, their relative dating was obtained by comparative comparison with similar samples obtained from excavations and surveys of other areas. The typological comparison of the pottery samples of the Bagh-Bamid area does a good job of highlighting the similarity between the different types of pottery with the pottery of nearby areas such as the old city of Sirjan and more distant ones such as the ancient city of Jiroft, Narmashir and so on.

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 political boundaries changed with the conflicts over the region between the regional powers of Assyria and Urartu. The Mahabad area, which despite its importance in archeological studies of Iron Age III, has been under-investigated. In April 2016, during the investigation of the central part of Mahabad city, a total of 24 areas dating to this period were identified. The most important questions of this study are: (1) What is the structure and extent of the Iron III settlements in the Mahabad plain, and (2) What kind of cultural exchanges and interactions took place between the different areas of the Mahabad plain with neighboring areas during this period? The results of these investigations show that these areas take three primary forms: a) areas with stone architecture, b) cemeteries, and c) settlement mounds. The typology of the ceramics recovered from this fieldwork suggests that the Mahabad plain had extra-regional cultural relations during this period, in addition to connections with the western regions of Iran.

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 does not appear in Persepolis Fortification Tablets in the Achaemenid period; therefore, the purpose of this research is to study the reasons of this absence. By examining the process of Inshushinak worshiping in the history of Ancient Elam and Early Achaemenid period, and also through desk study of inscriptions and examining new researches from other researchers, we can conclude that Inshushinak worshiping in different periods had a direct relationship with the political position of Susa in Elam at the same time. By considering all the evidence and research, five possible hypotheses were formed, including the quantity of existing texts, limited area covered by fortification texts, weak settlement of Susa in the Achaemenid period, interference of Achaemenid government in Elamite rituals and the merging of Inshushinak with the Iranian gods. Finally, by examining the above cases, it was concluded that the absence of Inshushinak in the Achaemenid period is due to a set of reasons including limitation of texts, lack of urban and religious prosperity of Susa and perhaps the Achaemenids' intolerance for the god Inshushinak. The last reason was either due to the revolt of the Elamites in Khuzestan plain during the first years of Darius’ reign or Inshushinak’s contradiction to some of their beliefs, every single factor could have had a significant role, either by itself or in combination with each other, for creating such a religious situation in the Achaemenid period.

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 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.

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 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.

Abstract The arid desert climate of Yazd province, with its endless flowing sand dunes, has led to the creation of special conditions for human settlements in this part of Iran. Throughout history, the lack of water, the dry land and air, the scorching sun, and especially the movement of flowing sands in the Yazd-Ardakan plain, have been constant threats for the cities and villages in this region. Esfanjerd, extending over ca. 85 hectares, is located in the northern part of the township of Majumerd, Ashkazar district, in the province of Yazd. According to the cultural materials collected from the surface and historical comparative studies the site appears to have been buried under the sands dunes during early Safavid period. Based on the surface material and comparative studies, the 5th to the 9th century AH (Seljuk to early Safavid dynasty) is the suggested chronology for the site. Esfanjerd is located next to the main route from the south to north of Iran, i.e., from Fars to Khorasan via Esfahan, and according to the historical documents, due to the existence of numerous qanats and a strategic location, it was an important region. Old aerial photographs, the scattering of cultural materials on the surface, and the remains of the mudbrick architecture at the site indicate the presence of a very rich settlement from the Seljuk dynasty, in this area. The residential spaces and the walls of the surrounding gardens demonstrate the prosperity of life in this area.

Abstract The migration of Alid’s Sadat to Tabaristan and Daylam that was the result of pressure of the Abbasid caliphs, along with the subsequent uprising of Yahya bin Abdullah in Daylam led to the spread of Zaydi Shia in northern Iran. Taking advantage of the geographical isolation of these provinces and their distance from the central states, Alids succeeded in forming the first Shi’ite state of the Islamic caliphate without the permission of the Abbasids by attracting the support of the Ispahbads and local people. Hassan ibn Zayd became the leader of this new government, i.e. the Alids of Tabaristan, after the victory in Amol. Amol, Sari and Gorgan, along with the Daylam, were among the areas ruled by the Alids for about 20 years. Hassan ibn Zayd declared the Zaydi Shiite as the official religion of his government. One of the tools used by the Alids to legitimize their rule was their coins. Since coins are amongst the most authentic and significant archaeological evidences, this study has attempted to answer the question of how the Alid themes used on the coins differed from those used on the standard coins of the Abbasids and how the new verses were multiplied? The studying of the coins and historical sources indicates that the Alid of the Tabaristan with the aim of proving their political and religious legitimacy, deliberately minted coins containing verses of the Holy Quran, which were capable of interpreting the position of the Ahl al-Bayt and Jihad against the Abbasid caliphate. Thus, despite the fact that the Alid coins were quite similar in design to the Abbasid coinages, they were quite distinct as they conveyed such concepts as the support of the Prophet's Ahl al-Bayt, Shiite propaganda, and the opposition to the Abbasid caliphate.

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 relation to their natural environments. Settlement pattern analysis is one of the topics in archeology that, rather than focusing on a specific ancient place, probes the region. The interpretation of past human behavior in relation to its dependence on components of the natural and ecological environment is at the center of this type of thought. The results of these  analyses will identify factors that influence the choice of the ancestors' places of residence, such as: easy access to agricultural land, water, marine resources and exploitation of extractable mineral resources. The protection that the geographical location provides is another important and well-known factor in the context that it has a great influence on the shape of the deployment of human groups in an area. According to this method and by analyzing the results of the field survey in the west of Urmia Lake, the geographical variables affecting the settlements of the Parthian period in this area were investigated. In the field survey of the western plain of Urmia Lake, 14 sites of the Parthian period had been identified, which was drawn by analyzing the results of this survey and environmental data available, therefore, the pattern of settlement regions based on GIS maps was drawn. These patterns lie in the western plain of the Urmia Lake and have variables such as: sea level height, proximity to rivers, climate type, soil fertility, land use, vicinity to today's settlements, and salt extraction and trade. All the patterns from the west coast of Urmia Lake, have been measured; and the results of these field studies are presented in the upcoming article.

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. In contrast, others ‎have been used as natural utensils or as ornaments. Among the people, the characteristics of this ‎shell group are clarified based on their spatial analysis, which is often placed in religious ‎contexts such as shrines as special offerings and gifts or grave gifts with the deceased‏. ‏While in ‎some Far Eastern cultures, they have been used as money in some cases. The Surkh  Lori is one ‎of the key areas of the second millennium BC. It is located in western Iran's region behind the mountain ‎‎(Lorestan). It was first excavated by Erich Schmidt in 1938 and introduced as a ‎temple. Many of the objects found in this area are votive offerings made by the area's people ‎for the good of this Temple. Among these objects, at least 532 sea shells have been found. Their origin is determined according to their biological typology from the Persian Gulf to the Sea of ‎Oman. The abundance of shells such as Kowzak or Cowries indicates that this Temple belonged to a ‎female goddess, probably "Ninlil," because of the accompaniment of such shells in the context of ‎the first millennium BC; It is commonly reported in the graves of women and children.

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 resolve existing uncertainties related to historical periods. In this research, 25 coins out of a collection of 105 gold coins stored in the National Museum from Tabriz Grand (Jame) Mosque belonging to the 7th century AH. were selected and studied that belonged to the reign of Abu Saeed Bahadur Ilkhani. Based on the methodical research of numismatics, in order to obtain the political, cultural, artistic and economic historical data, detailed documentation, weighting and surface examination of the coins were first performed. Afterwards the symbolic and non-symbolic signs and patterns of the coins were identified. In the final stage, in order to obtain the type of metal that was used in the coins (Their elemental basis), three samples of the coins were selected, after which their mints and weights were determined and they were hencewworth subjected to an elemental decomposition (PIXI) test in the Iranian Atomic Energy Laboratory and Endograph. The most accurate laboratory tests were conducted in order to obtain the data from the elemental analysis of the tested samples, after the tests were concluded  statistical analysis was used on the metal impurities measured in the coins. Based on the investigations and examinations of the surface of the coins as well as the archaeological studies of the internal structure which includes the elemental analysis of metal of the coins, The coins were subsequently categorized and separated from each other. It is important to note that the historical, economic, geographical, artistic and political factors were considered in all stages.

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, which was the Sasanian court language, expanded geographically due to the displacement of populations from the Ctesiphon and Fars regions and the flight of the king and large court families to the eastern regions, especially Khorasan. A major unanswered question concerns how the Persian language spread in Khorasan in relation to the process of population movement of Iranians from the west and south to the eastern regions of the collapsed Sasanian polity. In this study, by examining the transition period from the Sasanian to the beginning of the Islamic era, especially regarding fire temples that lasted until the early centuries of the Islamic era, we conclude that with the statistical fluctuation of the number of sites in these periods, it seems that Iranians were under attack. Early hardships in front of the swordsmen with the courtiers from the southern regions of Iran, especially Fars and their imperial center, Ctesiphon, went to the land of Ādur-Burzēn-Mihr, i.e., Khorasan. These immigrants adopted two methods of settlement: first, in the villages, and second, by moving through an area as nomads. This population was able to survive with this system that was formed at the end of the Sasanian period. One of the compromises that supported the endurance of this system was the protection of Persian culture and language in Khorasan, where much progress was made.

Abstract The beginning of field research in the Deh Luran Plain dates back to the early twentieth century. During this period, researches have been mainly focused on the northwestern part of the plain rather than its southeastern part (Patak Plain). However, the southeastern part of the plain, under the supervision of the author by project of identification and study of the sites in the area of drainage network 23 of the national tropical plan, was intensively surveyed at the end of year of 2015. The primary and general purpose of this program was identifying and documentating the sites, which was achieved. The next goal, namely determining the chronological position and understanding how the settlements were located and recognizing their cultural interactions, compared to their neighboring area, was also achieved by using the discovered cultural materials. In total, out of the 56 identified sites in this archaeological survey, 22 sites had surface evidence of the Uruk Period until the end of the Neo- Elamite Period, at first glance, this number represents a fourfold increase in the number of the settlements by comparing it to the results of previous studies. In the next step, with the registration of the Uruk Sites, it was found that, the population that was living in the plain compared to the previous period, namely the Later Village Period has increased significantly. Then, the population decreased sharply in the Jemdet Nasr Period and we can see an increase in the settlements again in the Dynasty Period, but this increase ended in the Old Elamite Period and decreased in the Middle and Neo- Elamite Periods, this decrease was probably as a result of the effects of trans-regional power centers and climate change.

Abstract One of the most important subjects regarding the Neolithic period is the change of the subsistence economy in the societies of this period compared to the previous periods. The most direct evidence of subsistence economy within the archaeological contexts are plant and animal remains. Regarding this specific subject, other cultural materials such as pottery, architecture, and tokens are considered indirect evidence. In this article, we studied and analyzed the food consumption of the people living in the Neolithic site of Tepe Khaleseh in the Zanjan Province of northwest Iran (Valipour et al., 2012, 2013) based on direct and indirect evidence obtained from archaeological excavations. Analysis of the archaeobotanical assemblage has also permitted a reconstruction of the subsistence economy at the site and the results presented here, have significantly broadened our understanding of plant and animal management in northern Iran during the Late Neolithic. Tokens, lithic, bone tools, and architectural spaces also have been used in addition to animal bones and plant remains. It seems due to the rich environmental food resources in this region and based on a self-sufficient economy during the three phases of settlement in the late Neolithic period they have evolved from a society with an equal structure in the first stage, to a society with individual ranks in the third stage, therefore, the production organization has evolved from household production to household industries.