Journal of Archaeological Studies

Research Paper

Revisiting the Archaeological Stratigraphy of Hotu Cave, Iran: Preliminary Report of the 2021 Excavation

Hassan Fazeli nashli; Mojtaba Safari; Roger Matthews; Judith Thomalsky; Jan Lentschke; Mina Madihi

Volume 16, Issue 2 , September 2024, Pages 5-49

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2025.388982.143332

Abstract

The Mesolithic period and its transition to the Neolithic period in Western Asia is one of the most important stages of human cultural evolution during which. humans gradually changed ... Read More The Mesolithic period and its transition to the Neolithic period in Western Asia is one of the most important stages of human cultural evolution during which. humans gradually changed their way of life and cultural behavior. After millennia of living as mobile hunter-gatherers, these changes in human lifestyle were so significant that some scientists consider them to have triggered the Anthropocene (Smith and Zeder, 2013). Therefore, the study of the Mesolithic hunter-gatherer way of life and its transformation into a Neolithic society is crucial for investigating the first steps and possible triggers of this fundamental change. A small number of important archaeological sites in the southeastern edge of the Caspian Sea coast provide rich sequences of hunter-gatherers dating from about 15,000 to 10,000 years ago with abundant cultural materials. One of those, Hotu Cave located nearby the modern Iranian city Behshahr, was firstly described by the American anthropologist Carlton Coon in 1949 and then excavated by him in 1951. Due to various reasons, a proper report on this cave was never presented. Our new activities at the site after 70 years aim to establish a secure chronology from the Mesolithic to the Parthian period and to link obvious gaps in the cave sequence to climatic and environmental changes during the Late Pleistocene and Holocene. The new excavation at Hotu Cave is not only useful to contextualize the data from the Coon excavations, but has also helped us to generate additional data to propose a regional chronology from the Mesolithic onwards. In this paper we present not only the current data on the chronology of the cave, but also all the chronological schemes attempted by scholars, which we have brought together. Our project not only includes activities in Hotu Cave, but also carried out excavations in 2022 and 2023 at the two other key sites of the relevant Mesolithic-Neolithic transitional horizon, Kamarband Cave and Komishani Tappe, which lies in front of Komishani Cave. The material culture from the recent excavations is very important in proposing a new model of the transition from the Mesolithic to the Neolithic for the Iranian highlands that goes beyond the Zagros region, which – until now – has been considered an independent core region of early domestication and Neolithization.

Research Paper

An Interim Report of the New Excavations at the Neolithic Site of Chogha Golan, Ilam Province, Western Iran

Hojjat Darabi; Saeid Bahramiyan; Hamzeh Ghobadizadeh; Jamal Sheikhi; Mehdi Eskandari

Volume 16, Issue 2 , September 2024, Pages 51-67

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2025.381313.143288

Abstract

Chogha Golan has previously found a spectacular place in studies of the emergence of early agriculture and sedentary life in western Asia. Earlier brief work by the University of Tübingen ... Read More

Research Paper

Caspian Neolithic Software vs. Djeitun Pottery: New Absolute Dating from the Pottery Neolithic of Eastern Mazandaran

Rahmat Abbasnejad Seresti; Seyyed Kamal Asadi Ojaei; Xinying Zhou; Hengameh Kheiri Malakshah

Volume 16, Issue 2 , September 2024, Pages 69-93

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2024.382716.143299

Abstract

After 70 years we still have very little knowledge about the Epi-Paleolithic, Pre-pottery Neolithic (PPN), and Pottery Neolithic (PN) periods in the eastern Mazandaran plains. Unreliable ... Read More

Research Paper

Relative Chronology Based on the Classification and Typology of the Chalcolithic Pottery of Tepe Morad Abad VIII, Orzuiyeh Plain (Kerman Province)

Mahbubeh Naseri Tehrani; Fariba Mosapour Negari; Mehdi Mortazavi

Volume 16, Issue 2 , September 2024, Pages 95-119

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2024.375042.143260

Abstract

The Orzuiyeh Plain stands as a crucial region for understanding prehistoric, particularly Chalcolithic, settlements in southwestern Kerman Province. While sites like Gaz Tavileh, Morad ... Read More

Research Paper

Late Chalcolithic to Late Bronze Age Settlement Patterns in the Gorgan Plain (ca. 3200-1600 BCE)

Kyle .G. Olson

Volume 16, Issue 2 , September 2024, Pages 121-149

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2025.388987.143333

Abstract

The Gorgan Plain in Golestan Province is one of the most archaeologically rich regions in Iran. Given its favorable climate, the Gorgan Plain has been an attractive location for settlement ... Read More

Research Paper

Excavation at Sarcham, A Multi-Period Archaeological Site in Hawraman Region, Kurdistan Province, Iran

Amir Saedmucheshi; sirvan Mohammadi Ghasrian; Masashi Abe; Morteza Zamani Dadane; Salman Khosravi; Sarieh Amiri; Marjan Mashkour; Mohammad Sedigh Ghorbani; Faranak Bahrololumi; Hossein Davoudi

Volume 16, Issue 2 , September 2024, Pages 151-181

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2024.373818.143256

Abstract

The archaeological site of Sarcham is situated in the southwestern region (Hawraman Region) of Kurdistan Province in western Iran. It was excavated as part of the Darian Dam Archaeological ... Read More

Research Paper

A Discussion on the Stone Composite Figurines in BMAC/GKC and its Influence1

Deng Chen

Volume 16, Issue 2 , September 2024, Pages 183-201

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2025.388989.143334

Abstract

In the last century, a group of Bronze Age composite stone female figurines, known as “Bactrian princesses”, appeared in the antique market, and were suspected to come from ... Read More

Research Paper

The 2024 Excavation Campaign at Kani Shaie: New Data on the Earliest Early Bronze Age and the Hellenistic-Parthian Occupations

Steve Renette; André Tomé; Michael P. Lewis; Zana Abdullkarim Qadir

Volume 16, Issue 2 , September 2024, Pages 203-227

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2025.388979.143331

Abstract

Kani Shaie is an important archaeological site in the Sulaymaniyah Province of Iraqi Kurdistan. Sitting in the center of the Bazyan Valley, it is located on a major communication axis ... Read More

Research Paper

Ritual Practices in the Kura-Araxes Culture: Hearths and Figurines as Markers of Religious Identity

Bohlool Khani; Akbar Abedi; Nasir Eskandari; Ghader Ebrahimi

Volume 16, Issue 2 , September 2024, Pages 229-267

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2025.387728.143323

Abstract

The investigation and characterization of the Kura-Araxes culture is a key focus of archaeological research in this field. One of the enigmatic aspects of the Kura-Araxes culture is ... Read More The investigation and characterization of the Kura-Araxes culture is a key focus of archaeological research in this field. One of the enigmatic aspects of the Kura-Araxes culture is the role of religion, rituals, and associated ritual evidence among its people. This aspect holds particular significance not due to its spiritual or supernatural dimensions, but rather because of the limited, scarce, and largely unknown nature of the cultural evidence. Archaeological findings related to this facet of Kura-Araxes culture, such as figurines, hearths, and possibly architectural elements, have been uncovered across the entire expanse of this culture’s territory, from northwest Iran to eastern Anatolia and the South Caucasus. One of the primary objectives of this research is to explore the social identity and ritual beliefs of Kura-Araxes communities, and to identify the symbols, elements, and religious signs of the Kura-Araxes culture. This investigation is based on a combination of library-documentary studies and first-hand archaeological data from excavations in Iran and the broader Kura-Araxes cultural sphere. This research also aims to address the following questions and uncertainties: What insights do archaeological evidence and documents provide regarding the ritual-religious beliefs of Kura-Araxes communities? Additionally, what are the key differences and similarities in the religious beliefs of Kura-Araxes communities across Iran, the Caucasus, and other regions within the Kura-Araxes cultural sphere? More broadly, can we definitively discuss belief systems, religion, rituals, and associated sacred spaces in relation to these communities? The forthcoming study will focus on answering these questions and addressing the stated objectives to clarify some of these ambiguities. The results indicate that while the Kura-Araxes culture and its people did not have dedicated religious spaces or distinct places for their rituals (based on current findings and evidence), it is important to consider two factors: first, the temporal span (3500–2400/2500 BCE) and the continuity of this culture; and second, the contemporary cultures, such as Uruk, which were characterized by established religious practices. Additionally, religious and ritual practices were prevalent among Bronze Age cultures. Therefore, it is unlikely that the Kura-Araxes communities were devoid of religion and rituals. However, rather than a sedentary and fixed culture, if we accept the hypothesis of the Kura-Araxes culture being semi-nomadic pastoral, then their ritual artifacts, such as figurines and hearths, were likely small and portable. Consequently, these artifacts reveal traces of their ritual beliefs, allowing us to consider ritualistic characteristics as part of this culture.

Research Paper

Torpedo Jars of Iran: Context of Archaeological Discovery and Origin of the Bitumen Coating

Jacques Connan; Mohammad Esmaeil Esmaeili Jelodar; Michael. H. Engel; Alex Zumberge; Mehdi Azarian; Jebrael Nokandeh

Volume 16, Issue 2 , September 2024, Pages 269-307

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2025.380179.143282

Abstract

One of the most important potteries used in Persian Gulf (Middle East) maritime trade with a large part of the ancient world, including the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, the Indian ... Read More One of the most important potteries used in Persian Gulf (Middle East) maritime trade with a large part of the ancient world, including the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka, and finally the country of Thailand. (Suriname ship cargo) earthenware jar called Torpedo-jar or storage jar. Although this type of pottery was dated by most researchers to Sassanian era, this type was used in trade and burial from the Parthian period to early Islamic era or 3rd century BC to 9th century AD (Kennet, 2004: 85). The most important feature of these types of jars is the coating of bitumen on its inner surface. So far, archaeologists have not succeeded in finding a kiln for the production of this type of pottery, so it is very important to know the place of pottery production and the bitumen mine used in them. In this article, using the method of geochemical laboratory studies and a comparative study, the bitumen samples taken from the torpedo jars from the south and southwest of Iran were investigated. In this research, 15 pieces of pottery with tar coating belonging to the archaeological excavations of Siraf and Mahruban ports on the coast of the Persian Gulf (south of Iran), related to the Sassanid and Islamic period, and samples from Shush and Shushtra region from the Parthian and Sassanid periods were selected.The sample of the Susa area is from the Iran National Museum and belongs to the archaeological excavations of Susa region, the sample of Ivan-i Karkheh is related to the Dezful region, and the sample of the Dastova area is also related to the Shushtar region in Khuzestan province, southwest of Iran. All bitumen samples were analyzed geochemically with the aim of determining the origin of bitumen in its specialized laboratories in Europe and America. The main result of the research shows the use of bitumen from the bitumen springs of Khuzestan, Lorestan, Ilam and Kermanshah provinces in the studied pottery (Fig.1).

Research Paper

Study of the Development Process of Herat City During the Kart Dynasty, Based On the Survey of Developments in The Axis of Khiaban-Mazar-e Herat

Shahin Garakani Dashteh; Mohammad Mortezaei

Volume 16, Issue 2 , September 2024, Pages 309-325

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2024.341280.143104

Abstract

Tomb Street (Khiaban-Mazar) is described as a complex where the tombs are located on either side of a passageway. “Khiaban-e Herat” (Herat Street) is also a cemetery with ... Read More

Research Paper

Numismatics of Tabriz Mint during the Ilkhanate Period (Focusing on the Era Hülegü to Öljeitü)

Moharram Bastani; Nematollah Alimohammady

Volume 16, Issue 2 , September 2024, Pages 327-357

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2025.337049.143315

Abstract

The Tabriz mint is one of the most significant mints from the Ilkhanid period. Since the Hulegu Khan era, Tabriz was officially recognised as the political centre of Ilkhanid rule. ... Read More The Tabriz mint is one of the most significant mints from the Ilkhanid period. Since the Hulegu Khan era, Tabriz was officially recognised as the political centre of Ilkhanid rule. This decision, whether ideal or flawed, attracted an influx of artists, scholars, calligraphers, craftsmen, and architects from the vast territories of the Ilkhanid Empire—from Transoxiana to Asia Minor, the plains of Qipchaq and the Transcaucasus to the Mediterranean shores, and from the Persian Gulf to the Strait of Oman. During this time, Tabriz became a major financial, political, scientific, military, and social hub. Historical sources document that Tabriz reached a remarkable level of growth and distinction, with visitors—including tourists, foreign emissaries, and domestic ambassadors—providing vivid descriptions of the city in their accounts. The choice to establish Tabriz as the Ilkhanid political centre appears to have significantly boosted its importance as one of the largest and most prominent mints in Iran during this era, as evidenced by numismatic records. Tabriz’s role in minting underwent substantial changes, shaped by shifts across various historical periods, particularly its financial structure. The study of coins from this mint offers valuable insights into some obscure aspects of Iranian history during the Ilkhanid rule. This article examines Tabriz, one of the most influential mints of the Ilkhanid period, by highlighting its unique characteristics, features, and innovations. This paper addresses the question of how coins were minted in Tabriz in comparison to those from other Iranian mints and seeks to understand the factors behind Tabriz’s preeminence. Preliminary research suggests that Tabriz, as the Ilkhanid political centre, possessed the necessary conditions to become a major financial institution under the Ilkhanid administration. Following the progression of the Ilkhanid administration from nomadism to a more advanced and sophisticated one, the same development appeared in Tabriz. evolved correspondingly. Attracted a vast array of experts, talented artists, scientists, and craftsmen; fostering a dynamic professional environment that contributed to other Iranian cities in various areas of development. By the latter part of Ilkhanid rule in Iran, particularly during the reigns of Öljeitü and Abu Sa’id, Tabriz became a notable centre of cultural, economic, financial, architectural, artistic, and intellectual achievements. This included advancements in book illumination, painting, and coinage, largely for skilled and talented workers drawn from across the empire. This thesis, therefore, focuses on the unique characteristics of coins minted in Tabriz and explores the reasons for and implications of the Tabriz mint’s superiority over other mints within the Ilkhanid Empire.

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 16, Issue 2 - Serial Number 35, September 2024, Pages 1-320 (Vol: English)

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