Journal of Archaeological Studies

Research Paper

Continuity of Saljuq Architecture in Iran, the Friday Mosque of Firdaus

Alireza Anisi

Volume 15, Issue 2 , December 2023, Pages 1-16

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2023.366630.143239

Abstract

This paper examines in detail the little-known Friday Mosque (masjid-i jāmi‘) of Firdaus, located southwest of the Khurasan, which has had a key role in developing Saljuq architecture ... Read More

Research Paper

The Settlement Pattern of the Ancient Sites of the Southeastern Sub-Basins of the Caspian Sea, from a Hydro Geomorphological Perspective

Afsaneh Ehdaei; Mehran Maghsoudi; Seyed Mohammad Zamanzadeh; Mojtaba Yamani

Volume 15, Issue 2 , December 2023, Pages 17-41

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2023.353608.143178

Abstract

The presence of water resources, particularly rivers, significantly influences site selection. Throughout history, settling near rivers has brought numerous advantages, but it has also ... Read More

Research Paper

Archaeobotanical Studies in Feyzabad Site, in Aran-o-Bidgol Town

Narjes Khan Fini; Reza Nouri Shadmahani; Mohsen Javeri; Mostafa Sarlak; Saman Soortiji

Volume 15, Issue 2 , December 2023, Pages 43-55

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2023.356585.143190

Abstract

Archaeobotany is one of the interdisciplinary sciences in archaeology. Archaeobotany studies plant remains in archaeological contexts. Based on plant findings, it discusses topics such ... Read More

Research Paper

The Study of Mining and Metallurgy in the Central Part of Bam County Based on Archaeological Surveys and Historical Sources

Nazanin Khojasteh behzadi; Farzad Mafi; Seyed mohammadamin Emami

Volume 15, Issue 2 , December 2023, Pages 57-73

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2023.358920.143203

Abstract

The Kerman region stands out as one of the most significant mining areas globally, owing to its extensive and abundant mineral resources. Bam County, situated in the southeastern part ... Read More The Kerman region stands out as one of the most significant mining areas globally, owing to its extensive and abundant mineral resources. Bam County, situated in the southeastern part of Kerman, has historically served as a crucial hub connecting the southeast of Iran with Sistan and Afghanistan, attributed to its distinctive geological and geomorphological characteristics. Enjoying considerable commercial and military importance since the Sassanid era, Bam County has garnered attention in archaeological research as a strategically vital region. The exploration of Bam's archaeological sites becomes imperative for historical governments, highlighting the need to investigate and comprehend ancient centers engaged in metal smelting and mining activities. Consequently, an archaeological survey of the central part of Bam County was initiated in 2018-2019 with the specific objective of identifying metal smelting workshops and ancient mines. This article presents the outcomes of a field survey conducted in the central part of Bam County, shedding light on evidence of metal smelting centers, furnaces, and historical mining activities. The primary research inquiries center around the chronology of mining evidence in the central part of Bam County, the types of metals extracted, and the processes involved in metal mining and metallurgy within this region. Employing field and documentary methods, the research adopts a descriptive-analytical approach. The study identified and examined eight sites showcasing evidence of smelting and slag, one ancient mine, and two active mines. These sites have been associated with the extraction and processing of metals and elements such as tin, zinc, lead, silver, iron, and, to a lesser extent, gold. Notably, the substantial volume of zinc and zinc oxide processing in seven sites holds significance. Although cultural materials for chronological dating were absent in the investigated sites, historical sources indicate that the extraction and smelting of these metals in the region date back to at least the 3rd century AH (9th century AD) and persisted until the Qajar period

Research Paper

Mineralogy and Elemental Analysis of Sasanian-Early Islamic Potsherds from the Jahangir Archaeological Monument in Ilam Based on Petrography, XRF, ICP

Leila Khosravi; Milad Baghsheikhi

Volume 15, Issue 2 , December 2023, Pages 75-91

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2023.354447.143181

Abstract

To date, no experimental investigations utilizing petrographic, XRF, ICP, or TL methodologies have been undertaken for the analysis of Sasanian and Early Islamic pottery in Western ... Read More

Research Paper

Archaeological Lnvestigation of Administrative Documents and Records within the Chalcolithic Societies of Northwestern Iran

Reza Rezaloo; Ali Karimikiya; Akbar Abedi; Rouhollah Mohammadi

Volume 15, Issue 2 , December 2023, Pages 93-112

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2024.364958.143230

Abstract

Analyzing administrative documents holds significant importance within the realms of archaeology and sociology, akin to the study of other archaeological evidence. These examinations ... Read More Analyzing administrative documents holds significant importance within the realms of archaeology and sociology, akin to the study of other archaeological evidence. These examinations play a pivotal role in reconstructing various systems, encompassing management, social dynamics, economic structures, and political frameworks. Delving into administrative management within prehistoric societies unveils the intricate social intricacies and the supervision exercised by a designated leader or head over a subordinate group, representing an internal control mechanism. Notably, seals, impressions on seals, and diverse accounting artifacts serve as pivotal administrative documents. However, the exploration and investigation of such cultural data in northwestern Iran remain relatively scarce. Therefore, the current study endeavors to present, evaluate, and scrutinize the administrative records of Chalcolithic societies in northwestern Iran, employing a descriptive-analytical approach. Numerous inquiries persist without resolution regarding the administrative records and evidence pertaining to the later prehistory of northwest Iran. Ambiguity surrounds the quantification of Chalcolithic administrative documents within this region. Furthermore, the methodology for analyzing and evaluating the ownership and managerial evidence from the later prehistoric era in this area remains unclear. Addressing these uncertainties can establish a definitive framework and a solid foundation for investigating these matters in northwest Iran. Leveraging administrative data obtained from various sites including Tepe Chay Khoy, Chakhmaqluq, Tepe Kulyeri (Tepe Caravanserai), Sohachay Tepe, and others, the authors conduct an assessment of managerial evidence in the northwestern region of Iran. Furthermore, utilizing extant cultural artifacts and drawing upon the outcomes of prior studies facilitates an exploration into phenomena such as long-distance trade, economic endeavors, social intricacies, and cultural exchanges with neighboring areas

Research Paper

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

Research Paper

Absolute (14C AMS) and Relative Chronologies of Barveh Tepe in the Upper Lesser Zab Basin and a Study of Painted Bronze Age Ceramics(Based on the Second Season Excavation)

Mahnaz Sharifi; Barbara Helwing

Volume 15, Issue 2 , December 2023, Pages 133-153

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2024.360950.143217

Abstract

Excavations in Tepe Barveh were conducted with the aim to shed further light on the period of painted Bronze Age wares and to refine the existing chronology for the Lesser Zab Basin ... Read More

Research Paper

From Apavortene to Abivard: Feasibility and Identification of the Early Parthian City of Dara in Northeastern Iran

Seyed Mehdi Mousavinia; Hassan Nami

Volume 15, Issue 2 , December 2023, Pages 155-166

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2023.356117.143188

Abstract

According to classical texts, Dara stands out as a significant city from the early Parthian era, situated on the eastern fringes of the Parthian Empire. Classical sources have documented ... Read More

Research Paper

An Archaeological Analysis of the Existing Shell Vessels (Libation Shell) in the Archaeological Contexts of the Iranian Plateau in the Third to the First Millennium B.C.

Parisa Naseri; Abbas Motarjem; David S. Reese

Volume 15, Issue 2 , December 2023, Pages 167-183

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2023.342641.143113

Abstract

Sea shells are natural-biological objects. They are embedded in geological layers in the form of fossils, but also, to find in archaeological deposits as a result of human activities. ... Read More Sea shells are natural-biological objects. They are embedded in geological layers in the form of fossils, but also, to find in archaeological deposits as a result of human activities. Archaeologists can use the provenance of shells in the functional analysis of ancient sites in terms of social archeology and prehistoric trading activities. Aarcheological excavations in several sites of the Iranian Plateau have shown that from the 3rd third millennium B.C. onwards, finds of of sea shells (e.g. Lambis, Dentalium, etc.) rapidely increased. Such shells were for instance discovered from ritual cemetery contexts such as Shahdad, Tepe Hesar, Kale Nisar cemeteries or Bani Surma. These objects are mainly used as natural or polished shells. In some cases, they served as a raw material for making all kinds of beads, buttons, and other ornamental objects.. The main question is to understand the relationship between the use of seashells and archaeological context, and also, their role in Bronze Age ritual life. In this article, the descriptive, analytical method has been used in the biological recognition of all types of shells. This method is also used based on similar studies on this issue in Mesopotamia's archeology of the Sumerian-Akkadian period. The distribution of recognizable species shows that these objects are concentrated in the settlements from south to southeast of Iran in the coastal strip of the Persian Gulf, and from the Oman Sea to the Zagros intermountain valleys, as well as in the northwest and northeast of Iran. The biological origin can be placed in the northern shores of the Oman Sea to the Gulf of Kutch on the northern coast of the Indian Ocean. It seems that with the growth and development of urbanization in Southwest Asia and especially the development of sea trade, oysters have been traded as valuable goods and other prestige goods. The importance of the shell findings is more than the value of the shells themselves because they were used as sacred goods in religious affairs. Analysis of the fields where the shells were discovered is more related to cemeteries and temples as sacred spaces. Also, the significant presence of Lambis shells for the production of specific ritual bowls, placed together with bronze axes in graves, can be seen as the reflection of a patriarchic tradition in the social-political organisiation of the third and second millennia B.C. Despite many excavations and the discovery of many samples of these types of shells, no furthergoing investigation on these specific objects was undertaken so far. This desideratum reveals more valuable findings in the archeology of the Iranian plateau. Therefore, one of this article's final goals is to focus more on analyzing the context of the discovery of seashells in future Excavation

Research Paper

The Historical Approach to the Relative Chronology of Caravansarai of Alaki, Near Marand

Ali Nemati-Babaylou; Mahsa Saidi -Mehrabad

Volume 15, Issue 2 , December 2023, Pages 185-201

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2022.344774.143137

Abstract

Due to the importance of Tabriz in various historical periods after the Mongol’s invasion to the end of the Qajar period, as continuously being the capital city or the residence ... Read More Due to the importance of Tabriz in various historical periods after the Mongol’s invasion to the end of the Qajar period, as continuously being the capital city or the residence city of the prince, entrance to this city has been reflected in various reports. Most of the foreigners who entered Iran from European countries came from Caucasus Road to Tabriz and reported many buildings on their way. Moreover, this road was one of the most significant roadways for Caravans on the Silk Road, where various residential buildings have been constructed. Alaki caravansarai is one of the most important roadside accommodations in Northwest Iran, and so many reports about it and the quality of its façade decorations can be traced in the travelogues of foreigners who traveled to Iran. Its vastitude and elegant entrance gate nevertheless, this building has unfortunately been neglected and was about to be ruined in the 19th century and afterward. However, the beauty of its entrance gate has gained the attention of many people and has been reported in many sources. Based on the ornaments used, recent sources in the history of architecture have estimated its date to the 12th century and Ilkhanid Abū Saʿīd Bahādor Khan and the Timurid period. These sources based their estimation only on the type of ornaments used on its entrance gate and its probable that the existence of dated artworks of the Ilkhanid period nearby, such as the Mihrab of Marand’s Jame Mosque, has influenced this speculation. This article aims to meticulously study this building in various travelogues, al-Wqafīyya al-Rashīdīyya, and other sources in the history of architecture and discusses the ornament types used and their history. The detailed study of the documents and sources indicated that this building could belong to the presidency period of Ḵᵛāja Rašid-al-Din Fażl-Allāh, and based on his emphasis to establish this building, can be dated 1297-1309. The ornaments, moreover, indicate the transient period from brickwork to tilework which happened in the late 13th and early 14th centuries

Research Paper

Revisit the Kura-Araxes: The Absolute and Relative Chronology of Qaleh Tepe and Ali Yourd Tepe, Zanjan Province, Iran

Amir sadegh Naghshineh; Barbara Helwing; HASSAN Fazeli Nashli

Volume 15, Issue 2 , December 2023, Pages 203-224

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2024.371269.143246

Abstract

The communities of the Kura- Araxes cultural complex with their highly distinctive cultural and economic features represent the occupation of some parts of the Near East and Caucasia ... Read More The communities of the Kura- Araxes cultural complex with their highly distinctive cultural and economic features represent the occupation of some parts of the Near East and Caucasia during the Bronze Age. Generally, the origin of this culture is sought in the Southern Caucasus. In Iran, the spread of this cultural tradition represents not only a rupture in the cultural development of the Mesopotamian traditions. Environmental changes linked to Rapid Climate Change (RCC) also forced the population to develop new economic strategies. Until about two decades ago, knowledge of the flourishing Kura Araxes occupation was limited to the north-west of the country and to some parts of the Central Zagros, but recent research in the zones south and north of the Alborz Mountain Range, on the northern edge of the Central Plateau allows by now to present a more detailed picture of the Kura Araxes occupation in both diachronic and synchronic perspective. Recent archaeological excavations in the two sites of Qaleh Tepe and Ali Yourd Tepe revealed some important new data from Kura-Araxes settlements in the corridor of the north Central Plateau and northwestern Iran. The two sites are located in the eastern Zanjan Province in the Abhar Rood Basin. This paper aims to update the chronology of the Kura-Araxes culture based on the radiocarbon dates from the two sites of Qaleh Tepe and Ali Yourd Tepe. The stratigraphy and radiocarbon dates of the two sites reveal the beginning of the Kura-Araxes culture in the region from c. 2900 BCE, followed by a quick extension into the northern Central Plateau, where it is represented by sites such as Shizar, Doranabad, Ostur, and Barlekin. Similarity and diversity characterize the Kura-Araxes cultural complex. However, based on the current data, the ceramic style represents a common feature, but also the architectural remains indicate a common cultural tradition during the first quarter of the third millennium BCE in the Central Zagros, northwestern Iran, and on the Central Plateau

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)

Volume & Issue: Volume 15, Issue 2 - Serial Number 33, December 2023

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