Journal of Archaeological Studies

Abstract Archaeological inquiries into the Islamic period show both in quantity and quality that targeted and wide-ranging studies aiming to identify the pertinent monuments and sites have obvious limitations, and for this very reason our understanding of this time period is mainly limited to the information deriving from textual evidence. Accordingly, with the aim of identifying and studying the Ilkhanid sites on the banks of the Aras, a season of reconnaissance survey was carried out in 2019. Focusing on the Sham Valley region of Jolfa County on the border of the two Iranian provinces of East and West Azerbaijans, the fieldwork recorded 53 monuments and sites (Afshari,2019). Given the region’s strategic, geopolitical position in the vicinity of such regions of Caucasia, Turkey and Central Asia as well as its obvious location on major regional lines of communication, several different cultures flourished there spanning in date the second millennium BC to the latest periods. In other words, the foremost factor responsible for the formation of settlements was the region’s location on trade routes and its easy intra- and extra-regional communications, especially during the Ilkhanid period, which played a conspicuous part in the cultural evolution of the Sham Valley. Concurrently, given the region’s religious importance under the Ilkhanid rulers which echoes their religious clemency as part of their foreign policies, revealing data were obtained regarding the local social and religious structures in different periods, especially the era in question. In other words, the correspondence between the field survey’s findings and the historical texts make it clear that the Ilkhanids’s lack of religious prejudice, termed as religious toleration, was an upshot of a series of apparent and latent factors, which in general stemmed from the political orientations they adopted towards religious convictions (Morgan,2004؛ Torkamani Azar,1992 ). Recruitment of Christian females in the court (Bayani, 2011), employing Christian advisors and agents, maintaining contacts with Christian businessmen, missionaries and priests, and the particular attentions paid to the affairs of the Christian populations in Iran were all driven by the prerequisites underpinning their internal and external relations as it is evidenced by the fact that the changes in such relationships in the later Ilkhanid period would be associated with changes in the religious approaches due to political developments

Abstract Chegani County is situated in the western portion of Luristan province. In pursuit of comprehensive studies and investigations within Luristan province, the author conducted a survey in the Shahivand district during the summer of 2012, resulting in the identification of 84 archaeological sites. Predominantly, these sites corresponded to both prehistoric and historical epochs, with only three sites attributed to the Islamic period. The findings of this survey have indicated that the earliest evidence of human habitation in the Shahivand sector dates back to the Lower Paleolithic period, with the identification of six settlements from this era. Sparse and sporadic evidence was discerned from subsequent Paleolithic periods. However, during the Neolithic period, coinciding with the advent of agriculture and animal husbandry, the Shahivand district garnered significant attention, serving as a vital nomadic route from Delfan to Seymareh. Following the Neolithic period, the Shahivand district remained uninhabited until the conclusion of the Middle Chalcolithic II period, ca. the end of the 5th millennium BCE. Subsequently, the district was inhabited the termination of the Bronze Age in the latter half of the second millennium BCE. Notably, archaeological findings suggest heightened activity during the Parthian and Sassanid periods, with a focus on settlement evidence and architectural remnants such as two bridges spanning the Kashkan River and the construction of a stone pathway in the Gashomar Gorge to the north. These manifestations underscore the strategic significance of the Shahivand sector in facilitating communication networks during this epoch

Abstract Prehistoric investigations in the southeastern region of the Caspian Sea commenced more than a century ago, resulting in the identification of several prominent archaeological sites, notably the caves of Kamarband, Hotu, Komishan, and Altappeh. These caves have become well-known for their rich archaeological deposits, spanning from approximately 16,000 years ago in the Mesolithic period to the Historic period. Hotu Cave, situated on a cliff along the northern slope of the Alborz mountain range, gained significant attention following its initial excavation in the 1950s by Carleton S. Coon. Excavations conducted over two field seasons lasting nine weeks each revealed valuable insights into the region's prehistoric occupation. In 2021, a team led by Hasan Fazeli from the University of Tehran undertook the re-excavation of Hotu Cave, unearthing 124 archaeological contexts spanning from the Mesolithic to the Historic period. Among the notable findings were 1,539 chipped stone artifacts, predominantly crafted from locally sourced Behshahr chert. The chipped stone assemblage from Hotu Cave exhibits distinctive characteristics indicative of different periods, including pressure removal technique evident in blade-lets and sickle trapezoids dating back to the Neolithic period, alongside ubiquitous scrapers and notched-denticulated tools found across all layers. Technological shifts within the chipped stone assemblage, observed during the recent excavations, reflect changes in subsistence patterns inferred from archaeozoological research on animal remains. However, the interpretation of these technological and subsistence changes is nuanced, as it remains unclear whether they occurred locally and gradually or resulted from external influences, such as demographic movements or the diffusion of ideas from neighboring regions. The chronological gap between the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods complicates the determination of the precise mechanisms driving these transformations solely based on material evidence from Hotu Cave. Further interdisciplinary research integrating archaeological, chronological, and environmental data is warranted to elucidate the dynamics of cultural change in this region during the transition from the Mesolithic to the Neolithic period

Abstract The city of Ardabil, due to its unique geographical and strategic location, was known in the early Islamic centuries as a crossroads and the most important city of Azerbaijan in economic, political, and cultural exchanges in historical and geographical texts. The diversity in the region's ecosystem and the spatial conditions had a significant impact on the survival and development of the city, which this article examines and analyzes the factors that have created these superior conditions. The aim of this research is to identify the geographical components influencing the survival and development process of Ardabil city from the Islamic era to the end of the Safavid period. Therefore, the main question of this research is: What geographical variables have influenced the survival, development, and decline of the city from the early Islamic centuries to the end of the Safavid era? The research method is descriptive-analytical. Data collection was based on historical and geographical written sources, and the analysis and argumentation were based on the "Kent and Watts" biogeography theory, examining the role of five variables: matter, energy, diversity, space, and time in the two phases of survival-development and recession of the city. The results indicate that in the early Islamic centuries, Ardabil city was mentioned as the first and most important city in the Azerbaijan state. Water resources, energy, and human-made resources shaped it in the early Islamic centuries. After the attacks by the Georgians and Mongols, this city lost some of its past prosperity. However, during the Safavid period, due to the importance of the mausoleum complex of Sheikh Safi al-Din Ardabili and the resurgence of silk trade, this city once again regained its past glory through accumulating wealth by reviving communication routes and collecting endowments for the mausoleum complex from various points regionally and beyond

Abstract The living environment of today is the outcome of the relationships between the people who have lived in it and nature, from the time of the emergence of the human species on Earth to the present day. Human activities and the changes resulting from them in the context of place have taken place under the influence of beliefs, needs, and natural restraining and reinforcing factors, and with the change of generations and climate change have taken on various forms, the remnants of which we are witnessing today. The current landscape, which bears the marks of the past, is called the archaeological landscape, which is the result of the combination of objective and subjective elements. The objective part is the archaeological remains, but the subjective part includes the relationships between societies, culture, and its changes, which are often overlooked; however, this often-overlooked part has been very dynamic and has played a significant role in shaping the existing objectivity. This paper attempts to present a method for reading the archaeological landscape in the perception of the contemporary human being through the archaeological landscape phenomenology. The phenomenology of the landscape requires a comprehensive approach in which we pay close attention to "nature" and "culture”, to places with and without evidence of change or human activity. By considering the hierarchy of historical-cultural events and the objectivity that remains from them, as well as the connection of the people who lived there with the surrounding natural environment, this method provides a reading that, in addition to emphasizing the protection of ancient objective structures, preserves the continuity of these landscapes with their context and transforms the archaeological landscape from mere protection to a dynamic and interactive landscape with contemporary humans. Therefore, understanding the evolution of archaeological landscapes and their values is of fundamental importance for conservation and planning strategies. These landscapes possess inherent natural and cultural values, which necessitate the integration of objective and subjective aspects into methods for their conservation and presentation

Abstract The Middle Susiana period in southwestern Iran has several characteristics, the most important of which are the development of agriculture and animal husbandry alongside growing numbers of settlements and increasing population densities. As agricultural practices expanded, the increased use of ground stone to plow fields, harvest and process crops was inevitable. Many examples of these implements have already been identified at Neolithic sites in the Deh Luran Plain and across Khuzestan. The Zohreh plain in southeastern Khuzestan province has a high agricultural capacity. Hundreds of ground stones have been discovered in the site of Tol-Chega Sofla, which is located in the riverine landscape of the Zohreh Plain, which gave us the opportunity to study them in terms of their typology and function in the subsistence economy of the fifth millennium BCE. By classifying and comparing the stone tools of Chega Sofla with other examples discovered in Deh Luran and Susiana plains, it has become clear that these ground stone tools are similarly used in communities for agriculture, weaving and hunting

Abstract The Shahrood Museum holds 32 Sasanian clay bullae that were confiscated in 2005. These bullae hold invaluable information, contributing substantially to our understanding of Sasanian seals and sealing practices. The primary objective of our current research is to determine the methods by which the bullae were affixed to documents or packages. We also endeavor to thoroughly analyze the iconography depicted on these bullae and to establish their relative chronology. This article presents an in-depth, descriptive-analytical overview focusing exclusively on the collection of clay bullae in the Shahrood Museum. Each motif is carefully examined to underscore the importance of these bullae. Following the meticulous cleaning process, the inscriptions on the bullae will be deciphered and subsequently published in a separate article. The results of our study reveal that among the 32 clay bullae, 11 bear inscription, while 20 feature animal motifs (both real and mythological), symbols, and devices. The margins of 20 seal impressions contain inscriptions. Notably, the inscription on one bulla has vanished due to erosion. During the preliminary examination of the clay bullae at the Shahrood Museum, we have identified 60 seal impression. The bullae that bear multiple sealings consist of one large or principal sealing and several smaller and subsidiary sealings around the central main sealing. Most of the bullae exhibit one sealing, with only one bulla featuring seven sealings. The sealings bear ‘administrative’ and ‘Personal’ seals

Abstract The archaeological site of Khaneh-sar 1 represents a geological facies comprising Pleistocene deposits situated southeast of the Caspian Sea, approximately 700 meters east of Komishan Cave. Predominantly comprised of chert stone artifacts, with a minor portion characterized by fine-grained dark brown soil, which, in terms of density, type, and color, resembles paleosols within the loess layers prevalent in the region. Comparable geological deposits include those of the Early Khvalynian. Through the implementation of a Systematic Random Sampling method, a total of 4992 artifacts were recovered from this site. Given the inherent distinctions between Khaneh-sar 1, the Aurignacian of Garmrud-2, and the Zagros industries, the lithic assemblage analyzed in this study is identified as a local industry representative of the intermediate Middle-to-Upper Paleolithic era in Iran. Consequently, considering the techno-typological attributes, geological context, alongside late Pleistocene climatic events, the formation of Khaneh-sar 1 is postulated to have transpired during the late middle to early Upper Paleolithic period, coinciding with Marine Isotope Stage 3 (MIS3), Khvalynian transgressions, and the CB horizon of Neka Loess. Thus, the genesis of Khaneh-sar 1 can be traced back to the intermediate Middle-Upper Paleolithic, aligning with the MIS3

Abstract The Āli Qāpu Palace, one of the grand constructions erected during the Safavid period (907-1135 AH) in Isfahan, stands out as one of the most renowned architectural marvels of its time. Despite garnering attention from experts in restoration, architecture, and art history, the palace has remained largely overlooked in archaeological standing bulding studies. A significant aspect contributing to this oversight has been the neglect of investigating its water supply system since its inception, leading to various unfounded assumptions. In this article, the authors aim to address this gap by conducting a comprehensive examination of the components and functioning of the water supply system of the Āli Qāpu Palace, drawing upon written, oral, and documentary sources pertaining to the remnants of its water supply structure. Through meticulous documentation of remaining evidence and scrutiny of primary sources, in conjunction with data obtained from restoration efforts, this study reveals a sophisticated understanding of the mechanics employed by the creators in establishing an efficient and integrated water supply system for the palace, particularly for transferring water to its upper floors. This system of water supply and circulation draws upon precedents set by machines developed in centuries preceding the Safavid era, which facilitated the transfer of water within the palace premises. Consequently, this research not only sheds light on the water supply facilities of the Āli Qāpu Palace and the intricate cycle of water transfer within its different sections but also lays the groundwork for understanding similar structures. By unraveling the mechanisms behind the palace's water supply, this study contributes to a deeper appreciation of the technological and engineering prowess of Safavid-era architects and engineers while offering valuable insights for future research into analogous architectural endeavors

Abstract Since the onset of the Enlightenment in the early 18th century, and the subsequent establishment of museums, galleries, and private collections, the acquisition of cultural artifacts to populate these institutions became imperative. However, this period also witnessed the emergence of counterfeit works, crafted in collaboration with specialists across various disciplines. A crucial inquiry arises regarding the identification of the methods and techniques employed by forgers, the recent surge in counterfeit production, and the detrimental impact of such works on archaeological studies and museum activities. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive examination of counterfeit works, tracing their origins in Iran, elucidating the typology of counterfeit objects, detailing the methods of forgery, and analyzing their dissemination to target audiences. Through a combination of library research and field studies, this investigation reveals that counterfeit works exploit historical and cultural significance, often leveraging contemporary scientific knowledge. The lack of precise discernment by target groups regarding these counterfeit works has facilitated their creation and distribution across three primary levels: 1) individuals seeking to amass wealth, 2) domestic enthusiasts of historical and cultural artifacts, and 3) galleries and foreign museums

Abstract The bear hunting silver plate housed in the Abkhazia Museum stands out as a distinctive example of artwork from the Sasanian period. Its portrayal of bears being hunted, alongside the utilization of a lasso as the primary hunting instrument, renders it a unique specimen among Sasanian hunting vessels. This study employs an iconographic analysis approach to investigate the scene depicted on the plate, which has been previously attributed by Lukunin to Bahram I, the fourth ruler of the Sasanian dynasty, prior to his ascension to the throne. The objective of this research is to offer a comprehensive analysis of the entire scene depicted on the plate, followed by a detailed examination of each motif in isolation. Finally, an evaluation is provided regarding the realism or symbolism inherent within the scene, drawing upon available information. This study constitutes a descriptive-analytical inquiry into ancient Iranian art, drawing upon data collected from both library sources and online visual repositories

Abstract The artists of ancient times created pictures with simple lines and engraved their mark and identity on them. With its special features, this art encourages us to examine the carved shapes on the stones with a more sensitive eye. These works of art in the field of art history and archeology have displayed a wide range of ecosystems and animal and plant life and its relationship with human life. In Tafarsh City and the field of art and archeology, there are valuable works left. The purpose of this research is a detailed and methodical study of the paintings of Zaghar, Derbar, Haftan, and Qaleh Ghamt Kuh villages of Tafarsh city in terms of petroglyphs, reflection of cultural beliefs, relative chronology, and geology. In this research, we try to answer two questions based on the investigations: first, according to the typological comparison, to what time range do the petroglyphs of the Tafarsh region belong, and secondly, do the petroglyphs belong Were there nomadic societies or did settled societies play a role in its creation? The obtained data were first identified by survey method, photographed, and photographed by mollage vector method. Due to the lack of laboratory facilities, only by relying on semantic and conceptual interpretation, their time can be recognized approximately. It is believed that the paintings belong to the Sassanid period. According to the fact that all four locations were located next to the  roads and it was probably the movement, so it seems that the petroglyphs belonged to the nomadic communities.

Abstract The Astaneh Fault is classically described as the source of the most destructive seismic event in the history in Northeastern Iran, the 856 CE Qumis earthquake with an estimated magnitude between 7.4 and 7.9. In this article, based on the results obtained from paleoseismological researches from trenches AT1, AT2, AT3, AT4 and AT5 along the Astaneh Fault, we will determine the magnitude of past earthquakes and their aftershocks. The paleoseismological study along the fault in the two argillic sagpond of Playa and Graben structures provides evidence of 5 to 8 earthquakes in the past, which were determined by using the luminescence and radiocarbon age dating. The youngest seismic rupture was observed in the AT5 trench in the period of 700 ± 20 years BP and 1370 ± 140 years IRSL age, which can be consistent with the historical rupture of the Qumes earthquake. Analysis and measurement of morphological analysis along the fault zone estimates the equivalent displacement of 3.9±0.3 meters for the penultimate earthquake. The surface rupture indicates a moment magnitude between 7.3 and 7.5, comparable to the magnitude estimated for the historical 856 Qumis event. The distribution of past events over time shows a quasi-periodic seismic pattern with a mean return period of 1800 ± 230 years