The diversity of climatic conditions has affected architecture and caused the formation of differ... more The diversity of climatic conditions has affected architecture and caused the formation of different types of architecture in Iran. The Makran area is a long plain on the northern shores of the Oman Sea and south of the Makran mountains in Sistan and Baluchistan province, which today includes two counties, Chabahar and Konarak. This area is considered warm and humid in terms of climate. In the present study, we investigate the natural and climatic causes affecting the formation and development of the architectural constructions on the Makran beaches, which appeared during the Islamic era. Therefore, in addition to the field method, documentary studies were used to collect information. First, the architectural samples of Makran beaches in the Islamic era were identified. Then thirteen instances were selected based on the building's architectural features, authenticity, and present condition. These buildings belong to the periods between the Seljuk dynasty and the late Pahlavi period. The questions are, what were the strategies used by the architects to deal with the risks and unfavorable climatic conditions and their environmental effects? What similarities and differences are there between the architecture of the Islamic era of the coasts of the Persian Gulf and Makran? How has been the architectural pattern(s) of Makran coasts influenced by climate? The results of the investigations indicate that Makran architects were fully aware of the limitations and considered climatic factors such as sunlight, wind, temperature, and humidity. In the construction of buildings, they have paid attention to choosing things such as the type of materials, the color of materials, the construction of the building on the platform, the orientation of the building, and the design of the plan in an extroverted manner. This has ensured the comfort of the residents. These architectural principles are more visible in residential and native buildings. However, in buildings with military and administrative use, probably due to the influence of political and cultural factors, such measures have been thought less.
A group of copper-based objects excavated at Deh Dumen cemetery, in southwestern Iran, was studie... more A group of copper-based objects excavated at Deh Dumen cemetery, in southwestern Iran, was studied and analysed to examine the long-term corrosion morphology and mechanism in the soil burial environment. For this purpose, twenty-two samples from twenty-one copper-based vessels were studied and analysed using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, micro-Raman spectroscopy and metallography techniques. The results of the analyses showed that the majority of vessels are made of tin bronze, along with two arsenical copper samples. The extent of corrosion observed ranges from very thin corrosion crusts to thick crusts and entirely corroded structures. These three identified corrosion morphologies display a multi-layered corrosion stratigraphy as well as the preserved limit of the original surface. The corrosion crusts include internal tin-rich and external copper-rich layers, and the main corrosion mechanism for the formation of multi-layered corrosion crusts is decuprification or selective dissolution of copper during the long-term burial time in a moderately Cl-contaminated soil. The three identified corrosion morphologies are similar to the previously published morphologies, but some clear deviations are apparent and are discussed here.
Wood has been a suitable raw material for the expression of taste, talent, art and creativity of ... more Wood has been a suitable raw material for the expression of taste, talent, art and creativity of craftsmen and artists in different periods. Iranian artists in the Islamic period, like other industries, have created the most exquisite artworks made of wood. During the Islamic period, in the construction of the architectural elements of religious buildings, such as wood turning, fret work, Gereh Chini, and Khatam's artworks were made of wood, which studying on them in terms of the evolution and transformation of wood-related industries as material and cultural remains of the Islamic period, as well as analyzing the themes of their religious motifs and inscriptions, has been of special importance. Considering the importance of this subject, not many studies have been conducted in this field of research. During the archaeological survey that was carried out in 2014 in order to identify the cultural historical monuments of Bavanat city, many wooden artworks were identified and observed, and the upcoming research is in line with the introduction and analysis of these findings. In this regard, the questions of this research are: What wooden artworks have been left from the Islamic period of Bavanat, and what are the decorative elements and themes of their inscriptions? From Jame Mosque of Bavanat and holy shrine of Hamzeh of Bazm, various handmade wooden structures have remained, including doors, windows, pulpits, and wooden latticework, the delicacy and proficiency in their construction are remarkable. Since the two studied buildings, the mosque and holy shrine, have religious uses the general inscriptions also included Quranic verses, Shahadatein, Shahadat-e Salaseh, Salavat and the names of the Imams, which shows the influence of Shia religion on the industry and art of this period.
Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, Dec 7, 2022
This research presents the lead isotopic composition of ten objects made of copper-tin alloy or a... more This research presents the lead isotopic composition of ten objects made of copper-tin alloy or arsenical copper that was recovered at the Bronze Age cemetery at Deh Dumen (southwestern Iran). Grave goods associated with different cultures in eastern Iran, Susa, or Luristan were identified at the site, and lead isotopic analyses were conducted to identify the copper sources used for the production of copper alloy objects found in multiple tombs. Comparison with data for ore sources shows that some of the objects have a signature that is compatible with that of the Iranian sources located in the Urumieh-Dokhtar and the Sanandaj-Sirjan. It also shows that three objects are compatible with the signature of objects found in the Gujarat and ore sources in the Aravalli-Delhi Belt deposits (Rajasthan and Gujarat) in India, demonstrating long-distance exchange between southwestern Iran and the Indus valley.
The Iron Age culture of the central Iranian plateau is relatively
well known. Among the important... more The Iron Age culture of the central Iranian plateau is relatively well known. Among the important sites are Tappeh Sialk (Malek Shahmirzadi 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2012, 2017; Ghirshman 1938–9), Shamshirgah (Fahimi 2003; Malekzadeh & Naseri 2005; Fahimi 2010; Malekzadeh & Naseri 2013), Qoli Darvish (Sarlak 2020, 2011; Kleiss 1983), Sarm (Sarlak 2003), Zar Bolagh (Malekzadeh 2003; Malekzadeh et al. 2014), Vasun (Malekzadeh 2004; Malekzadeh et al. 2014), Sagz Abad (Malek Shahmirzadi 1977), Uzbaki (Majidzadeh 2010a, 2010b) and others. But it should be mentioned that our knowledge of this period, especially the second half (the Median period), across the entire central part of the Iranian plateau is on the whole restricted to pottery types and cultural horizons. The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyse 80 examples of a little-known type of decoration associated with the architecture of the Late Iron Age, namely the stamped bricks found at Sialk. These bricks can be described as the most prominent artistic feature of the centre of the Iranian plateau before the advent of the universal art of the Achaemenid period. Limited examples (18 specimens) of such stamped bricks were found during the excavations at Tappeh Sialk in the 1930s (Ghirshman 1938–9: pls XXI, XCVIII, XCIX). But for many years, because of the lack of similar examples, any comparative discussion and comparative chronological research was practically impossible. Now, however, the discovery of such bricks at three other sites, namely Qoli Darvish (7 examples) (Sarlak 2011: 500 and 557, [Sarlak], n.d.: 2), Shamshirgah (74 examples) (Malekzadeh & Naseri 2005) and Qolam Tappe-ye Ja’farabad (19 examples) (Golmohammadi et al. 2014), as well as new examples from Sialk (62 examples) (Naseri 2011), shows that such architectural decorations were a common tradition for ornamenting brick monuments (and sometimes stone monuments) in the center of the Iranian plateau in the Iron Age II and Iron Age III periods (Fig. 7.1).
Until recently, the culture of the late Iron Age in the central Iranian Plateau had only been ide... more Until recently, the culture of the late Iron Age in the central Iranian Plateau had only been identified at the southern mound of Sialk. In this study, a newly discovered site, called Qolam Tepe, is introduced in the foothills of western Kashan at a very close distance to Sialk. None of the surface findings of Qolam Tepe show any era other than the Iron Age III, or there is no Sialk VI, so we have ascertained one of the satellite sites of Sialk VI. Since the Qolam Tepe is exclusively a single-period site (Iron III), given the apparent fact that the decorative bricks found in Qolam Tepe in every aspect match the decorative bricks of "la Grande Construction" of Sialk. They can be attributed to a single cultural period and are surveyed as a single chronological horizon, thus again leading to the attribution of the "la Grande Construction" of Sialk to the end of the Iron Age. Surface survey finds from this site indicate that it is contemporaneous to the Iron Age, layers 5 and 6 of the southern mound of Sialk (and Cemeteries A and B).
In the third millennium B.C., the inhabitable zones in the southern part of Sistan Plain were con... more In the third millennium B.C., the inhabitable zones in the southern part of Sistan Plain were confined to the deltaic lands around the Rud-i Biyaban River. One of the main climatological characteristics of that time was the abundance of water resources in the Hilmand basin. The formation and dynamism of human settlements in this region have always been related to the water fluctuations of the Hilmand River, so that a shift in the water courses has always led to changes in human agglomerations. The main purposes of this research are first of all, to find out more about the vegetation around Tepe Taleb Khan and second, to provide more information on the use of these vegetal resources by the local inhabitants in that era. Two phases of archaeobotanical analysis are included in this research: namely field operation (sampling and extracting techniques of plant remains), and laboratory studies on the data coming from the sixth season of archaeological excavations at Tepe Taleb Khan. These...
ARCHAEOZOOLOGY OF SOUTHWEST ASIAAND ADJACENT AREAS XIII, 2021
Gūnespān is located in the southeastern part of Malayer, in Hamadan Province in Iran. The main oc... more Gūnespān is located in the southeastern part of Malayer, in Hamadan Province in Iran. The main occupation occurred during the Bronze Age and Late Iron Age (Median) periods. The study of archaeozoological assemblages from these peri-ods revealed that sheep/goat and cattle constitute the bulk of the exploited animal resources, showing that these human communities were highly dependent on pastoralism. During the Iron Age, the role of cattle seems to have become more predominant, which might be an indication of agricultural development in this region. Also, another feature in common with other sites in Iran is the increase of suid remains, which shows the growing importance of domestic pig during the Iron Age. In parallel, equid remains are also more numerous. The same pattern is visible when comparing Gūnespān to Godin Tepe and Nush-i Jan. The identified wild species (12%), the majority of which are herbivores, belong to wild sheep (Ovis orientalis), wild goat (Capra aegagrus), red deer (Cervus elaphus maral) or Persian fallow deer (Dama dama mesopo-tamica), wild boar (Sus scrofa), and gazelle (Gazella cf. subgutturosa). Other identified wild taxa are wild or domestic cat (Felis silvestris/catus), hare (Lepus europaeus), heron (Ardea sp.), duck (Anatidae), and tortoise (Testudo graeca).
The site of Toll-e Gap Kenareh is located 5 Km southwest of Persepolis, 3 Km northeast of Marvdas... more The site of Toll-e Gap Kenareh is located 5 Km southwest of Persepolis, 3 Km northeast of Marvdasht city in the Kur River Basin. The first season of excavation at Toll-e Gap was conducted in Sept/Oct 2012 to identify the cultural stratified sequence of the site and to get relative and absolute dating for the 3rd millennium BC. Fars. Two trenches (A and B) were excavated during this season of excavation on the east and west sides of the site and reached the virgin soil at 5.3 m depth. According to the recovered potsherds and comparing them to the other sites of the Kur River Basin, it can be inferred that the chronological sequence found in Toll-e Gap Kenareh displays early Islamic, Sasanian, early Kaftari, transitional Banesh / Kaftari and Banesh (early, middle, and late?) periods. Toll-e Gap Kenareh opens new horizons in the archaeology of Fars during the 3rd millennium BC., above all for the transition between the well-known Banesh and Kaftari periods.
Late Bronze Age multiple human burials from Deh Dumen, Iran, were uncovered in the Zagros Mountai... more Late Bronze Age multiple human burials from Deh Dumen, Iran, were uncovered in the Zagros Mountains. Using cross‐sectional geometry and histology, a sample (n = 23) of fragmented femora from these burials was examined to test for possible adaptation to transhumant pastoralism. Midshaft femur remodeling and modeling characteristics examined across males, females, and age‐at‐death groups partly indicated sex‐specific pastoralist behaviors and possible experiences of walking on rugged terrain in this small sample. We discuss the value of combining histology and cross‐sectional geometry techniques when attempting to reconstruct past human behaviors in multiple burial contexts.
A collection of pottery vessels uncovered during the first season of excavations in the Deh Dumen... more A collection of pottery vessels uncovered during the first season of excavations in the Deh Dumen Bronze Age graveyard (the second half of the third millennium BC) located in south-western Iran were studied by using chemical, mineralogical and physical techniques, with the aim to identify the pottery manufacturing process in this region. The site is located in a region of the Zagros fold and thrust belt that includes carbonate rocks and alluvial deposits. The pottery vessels found in the site present two different fabric types in their fresh surface: bright yellowish hue fabric (TYPE-1) and sandwich-like or black core fabric (TYPE-2) showing presumably different production techniques or workshops. Twenty-four samples from pottery sherds were selected and analysed by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), polarized light microscopy (PLM), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Hydric tests were also performed. Samples were different according to t...
During the excavations of the graveyard at the site of Deh Dumen in south-western Iran, 15 graves... more During the excavations of the graveyard at the site of Deh Dumen in south-western Iran, 15 graves from the Early/Middle Bronze Age were uncovered that contained a variety of metallic artefacts. This paper reports on the analysis of nine metal artefacts, including eight broken vessels and a decorative strip that covered the handle of a dagger. The ICP–MS results showed that the bodies of the vessels are made of tin bronze alloy with variable amounts of tin, while the internal piece of the base of one vessel is made from an arsenical copper alloy. Further, the metallic strip is a thin sheet manufactured with partially pure silver. Microanalytical and microstructural information yielded by SEM–EDS revealed elongated Cu–S inclusions and lead globules as various phases formed in bronze solid solution. This study presents some information about the transition from arsenical copper to bronze metallurgy in the third millennium bc in south-western Iran.
East Chia Sabz is a PPN site located in the Seimareh Valley, western Iran. 14C dating results ind... more East Chia Sabz is a PPN site located in the Seimareh Valley, western Iran. 14C dating results indicated that the site was occupied from the early 9th millennium to the early 7th millennium BC. As we have very little information about early Neolithic sites in Iran in comparison with the other regions of the Near and Middle East, the site of East Chia Sabz will provide a new benchmark for investigating the Neolithisation process in Iran. It is important to note that further investigation of Chia Sabz will certainly provide more secure information about how and when the Epipaleolithic transition to the Neolithic started in the region. This paper will present the recent excavations at the site, and then, based on the 14C dates, will discuss the site’s importance in western Iran.
As one of the most important archaeological sites in Iran and also because of its holiness, Naqs-... more As one of the most important archaeological sites in Iran and also because of its holiness, Naqs-e Rostam was always being paid attention through historic periods. The earliest remain of the site goes back to Elamite period while many more reliefs were then added in the Achaemenian and Sasanian periods. Except for the Elamite relief which later vanished as Bahram II relief was made over it in the Sasanian period, other reliefs of Naqs-e Rostam date to Sasanian period. However, it seems that there is one more relief which must be dated to Elamite time. This includes a standing human who has raised his hand in front of his face while represented in profile facing right. The relief was firstly introduced by Roaf who attributed it to Narseh, the Sasanian king. This paper firstly describes the relief and secondly suggests an alternative Elamite date as the result of comparative investigations.
The diversity of climatic conditions has affected architecture and caused the formation of differ... more The diversity of climatic conditions has affected architecture and caused the formation of different types of architecture in Iran. The Makran area is a long plain on the northern shores of the Oman Sea and south of the Makran mountains in Sistan and Baluchistan province, which today includes two counties, Chabahar and Konarak. This area is considered warm and humid in terms of climate. In the present study, we investigate the natural and climatic causes affecting the formation and development of the architectural constructions on the Makran beaches, which appeared during the Islamic era. Therefore, in addition to the field method, documentary studies were used to collect information. First, the architectural samples of Makran beaches in the Islamic era were identified. Then thirteen instances were selected based on the building's architectural features, authenticity, and present condition. These buildings belong to the periods between the Seljuk dynasty and the late Pahlavi period. The questions are, what were the strategies used by the architects to deal with the risks and unfavorable climatic conditions and their environmental effects? What similarities and differences are there between the architecture of the Islamic era of the coasts of the Persian Gulf and Makran? How has been the architectural pattern(s) of Makran coasts influenced by climate? The results of the investigations indicate that Makran architects were fully aware of the limitations and considered climatic factors such as sunlight, wind, temperature, and humidity. In the construction of buildings, they have paid attention to choosing things such as the type of materials, the color of materials, the construction of the building on the platform, the orientation of the building, and the design of the plan in an extroverted manner. This has ensured the comfort of the residents. These architectural principles are more visible in residential and native buildings. However, in buildings with military and administrative use, probably due to the influence of political and cultural factors, such measures have been thought less.
A group of copper-based objects excavated at Deh Dumen cemetery, in southwestern Iran, was studie... more A group of copper-based objects excavated at Deh Dumen cemetery, in southwestern Iran, was studied and analysed to examine the long-term corrosion morphology and mechanism in the soil burial environment. For this purpose, twenty-two samples from twenty-one copper-based vessels were studied and analysed using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, micro-Raman spectroscopy and metallography techniques. The results of the analyses showed that the majority of vessels are made of tin bronze, along with two arsenical copper samples. The extent of corrosion observed ranges from very thin corrosion crusts to thick crusts and entirely corroded structures. These three identified corrosion morphologies display a multi-layered corrosion stratigraphy as well as the preserved limit of the original surface. The corrosion crusts include internal tin-rich and external copper-rich layers, and the main corrosion mechanism for the formation of multi-layered corrosion crusts is decuprification or selective dissolution of copper during the long-term burial time in a moderately Cl-contaminated soil. The three identified corrosion morphologies are similar to the previously published morphologies, but some clear deviations are apparent and are discussed here.
Wood has been a suitable raw material for the expression of taste, talent, art and creativity of ... more Wood has been a suitable raw material for the expression of taste, talent, art and creativity of craftsmen and artists in different periods. Iranian artists in the Islamic period, like other industries, have created the most exquisite artworks made of wood. During the Islamic period, in the construction of the architectural elements of religious buildings, such as wood turning, fret work, Gereh Chini, and Khatam's artworks were made of wood, which studying on them in terms of the evolution and transformation of wood-related industries as material and cultural remains of the Islamic period, as well as analyzing the themes of their religious motifs and inscriptions, has been of special importance. Considering the importance of this subject, not many studies have been conducted in this field of research. During the archaeological survey that was carried out in 2014 in order to identify the cultural historical monuments of Bavanat city, many wooden artworks were identified and observed, and the upcoming research is in line with the introduction and analysis of these findings. In this regard, the questions of this research are: What wooden artworks have been left from the Islamic period of Bavanat, and what are the decorative elements and themes of their inscriptions? From Jame Mosque of Bavanat and holy shrine of Hamzeh of Bazm, various handmade wooden structures have remained, including doors, windows, pulpits, and wooden latticework, the delicacy and proficiency in their construction are remarkable. Since the two studied buildings, the mosque and holy shrine, have religious uses the general inscriptions also included Quranic verses, Shahadatein, Shahadat-e Salaseh, Salavat and the names of the Imams, which shows the influence of Shia religion on the industry and art of this period.
Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, Dec 7, 2022
This research presents the lead isotopic composition of ten objects made of copper-tin alloy or a... more This research presents the lead isotopic composition of ten objects made of copper-tin alloy or arsenical copper that was recovered at the Bronze Age cemetery at Deh Dumen (southwestern Iran). Grave goods associated with different cultures in eastern Iran, Susa, or Luristan were identified at the site, and lead isotopic analyses were conducted to identify the copper sources used for the production of copper alloy objects found in multiple tombs. Comparison with data for ore sources shows that some of the objects have a signature that is compatible with that of the Iranian sources located in the Urumieh-Dokhtar and the Sanandaj-Sirjan. It also shows that three objects are compatible with the signature of objects found in the Gujarat and ore sources in the Aravalli-Delhi Belt deposits (Rajasthan and Gujarat) in India, demonstrating long-distance exchange between southwestern Iran and the Indus valley.
The Iron Age culture of the central Iranian plateau is relatively
well known. Among the important... more The Iron Age culture of the central Iranian plateau is relatively well known. Among the important sites are Tappeh Sialk (Malek Shahmirzadi 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2012, 2017; Ghirshman 1938–9), Shamshirgah (Fahimi 2003; Malekzadeh & Naseri 2005; Fahimi 2010; Malekzadeh & Naseri 2013), Qoli Darvish (Sarlak 2020, 2011; Kleiss 1983), Sarm (Sarlak 2003), Zar Bolagh (Malekzadeh 2003; Malekzadeh et al. 2014), Vasun (Malekzadeh 2004; Malekzadeh et al. 2014), Sagz Abad (Malek Shahmirzadi 1977), Uzbaki (Majidzadeh 2010a, 2010b) and others. But it should be mentioned that our knowledge of this period, especially the second half (the Median period), across the entire central part of the Iranian plateau is on the whole restricted to pottery types and cultural horizons. The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyse 80 examples of a little-known type of decoration associated with the architecture of the Late Iron Age, namely the stamped bricks found at Sialk. These bricks can be described as the most prominent artistic feature of the centre of the Iranian plateau before the advent of the universal art of the Achaemenid period. Limited examples (18 specimens) of such stamped bricks were found during the excavations at Tappeh Sialk in the 1930s (Ghirshman 1938–9: pls XXI, XCVIII, XCIX). But for many years, because of the lack of similar examples, any comparative discussion and comparative chronological research was practically impossible. Now, however, the discovery of such bricks at three other sites, namely Qoli Darvish (7 examples) (Sarlak 2011: 500 and 557, [Sarlak], n.d.: 2), Shamshirgah (74 examples) (Malekzadeh & Naseri 2005) and Qolam Tappe-ye Ja’farabad (19 examples) (Golmohammadi et al. 2014), as well as new examples from Sialk (62 examples) (Naseri 2011), shows that such architectural decorations were a common tradition for ornamenting brick monuments (and sometimes stone monuments) in the center of the Iranian plateau in the Iron Age II and Iron Age III periods (Fig. 7.1).
Until recently, the culture of the late Iron Age in the central Iranian Plateau had only been ide... more Until recently, the culture of the late Iron Age in the central Iranian Plateau had only been identified at the southern mound of Sialk. In this study, a newly discovered site, called Qolam Tepe, is introduced in the foothills of western Kashan at a very close distance to Sialk. None of the surface findings of Qolam Tepe show any era other than the Iron Age III, or there is no Sialk VI, so we have ascertained one of the satellite sites of Sialk VI. Since the Qolam Tepe is exclusively a single-period site (Iron III), given the apparent fact that the decorative bricks found in Qolam Tepe in every aspect match the decorative bricks of "la Grande Construction" of Sialk. They can be attributed to a single cultural period and are surveyed as a single chronological horizon, thus again leading to the attribution of the "la Grande Construction" of Sialk to the end of the Iron Age. Surface survey finds from this site indicate that it is contemporaneous to the Iron Age, layers 5 and 6 of the southern mound of Sialk (and Cemeteries A and B).
In the third millennium B.C., the inhabitable zones in the southern part of Sistan Plain were con... more In the third millennium B.C., the inhabitable zones in the southern part of Sistan Plain were confined to the deltaic lands around the Rud-i Biyaban River. One of the main climatological characteristics of that time was the abundance of water resources in the Hilmand basin. The formation and dynamism of human settlements in this region have always been related to the water fluctuations of the Hilmand River, so that a shift in the water courses has always led to changes in human agglomerations. The main purposes of this research are first of all, to find out more about the vegetation around Tepe Taleb Khan and second, to provide more information on the use of these vegetal resources by the local inhabitants in that era. Two phases of archaeobotanical analysis are included in this research: namely field operation (sampling and extracting techniques of plant remains), and laboratory studies on the data coming from the sixth season of archaeological excavations at Tepe Taleb Khan. These...
ARCHAEOZOOLOGY OF SOUTHWEST ASIAAND ADJACENT AREAS XIII, 2021
Gūnespān is located in the southeastern part of Malayer, in Hamadan Province in Iran. The main oc... more Gūnespān is located in the southeastern part of Malayer, in Hamadan Province in Iran. The main occupation occurred during the Bronze Age and Late Iron Age (Median) periods. The study of archaeozoological assemblages from these peri-ods revealed that sheep/goat and cattle constitute the bulk of the exploited animal resources, showing that these human communities were highly dependent on pastoralism. During the Iron Age, the role of cattle seems to have become more predominant, which might be an indication of agricultural development in this region. Also, another feature in common with other sites in Iran is the increase of suid remains, which shows the growing importance of domestic pig during the Iron Age. In parallel, equid remains are also more numerous. The same pattern is visible when comparing Gūnespān to Godin Tepe and Nush-i Jan. The identified wild species (12%), the majority of which are herbivores, belong to wild sheep (Ovis orientalis), wild goat (Capra aegagrus), red deer (Cervus elaphus maral) or Persian fallow deer (Dama dama mesopo-tamica), wild boar (Sus scrofa), and gazelle (Gazella cf. subgutturosa). Other identified wild taxa are wild or domestic cat (Felis silvestris/catus), hare (Lepus europaeus), heron (Ardea sp.), duck (Anatidae), and tortoise (Testudo graeca).
The site of Toll-e Gap Kenareh is located 5 Km southwest of Persepolis, 3 Km northeast of Marvdas... more The site of Toll-e Gap Kenareh is located 5 Km southwest of Persepolis, 3 Km northeast of Marvdasht city in the Kur River Basin. The first season of excavation at Toll-e Gap was conducted in Sept/Oct 2012 to identify the cultural stratified sequence of the site and to get relative and absolute dating for the 3rd millennium BC. Fars. Two trenches (A and B) were excavated during this season of excavation on the east and west sides of the site and reached the virgin soil at 5.3 m depth. According to the recovered potsherds and comparing them to the other sites of the Kur River Basin, it can be inferred that the chronological sequence found in Toll-e Gap Kenareh displays early Islamic, Sasanian, early Kaftari, transitional Banesh / Kaftari and Banesh (early, middle, and late?) periods. Toll-e Gap Kenareh opens new horizons in the archaeology of Fars during the 3rd millennium BC., above all for the transition between the well-known Banesh and Kaftari periods.
Late Bronze Age multiple human burials from Deh Dumen, Iran, were uncovered in the Zagros Mountai... more Late Bronze Age multiple human burials from Deh Dumen, Iran, were uncovered in the Zagros Mountains. Using cross‐sectional geometry and histology, a sample (n = 23) of fragmented femora from these burials was examined to test for possible adaptation to transhumant pastoralism. Midshaft femur remodeling and modeling characteristics examined across males, females, and age‐at‐death groups partly indicated sex‐specific pastoralist behaviors and possible experiences of walking on rugged terrain in this small sample. We discuss the value of combining histology and cross‐sectional geometry techniques when attempting to reconstruct past human behaviors in multiple burial contexts.
A collection of pottery vessels uncovered during the first season of excavations in the Deh Dumen... more A collection of pottery vessels uncovered during the first season of excavations in the Deh Dumen Bronze Age graveyard (the second half of the third millennium BC) located in south-western Iran were studied by using chemical, mineralogical and physical techniques, with the aim to identify the pottery manufacturing process in this region. The site is located in a region of the Zagros fold and thrust belt that includes carbonate rocks and alluvial deposits. The pottery vessels found in the site present two different fabric types in their fresh surface: bright yellowish hue fabric (TYPE-1) and sandwich-like or black core fabric (TYPE-2) showing presumably different production techniques or workshops. Twenty-four samples from pottery sherds were selected and analysed by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), polarized light microscopy (PLM), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Hydric tests were also performed. Samples were different according to t...
During the excavations of the graveyard at the site of Deh Dumen in south-western Iran, 15 graves... more During the excavations of the graveyard at the site of Deh Dumen in south-western Iran, 15 graves from the Early/Middle Bronze Age were uncovered that contained a variety of metallic artefacts. This paper reports on the analysis of nine metal artefacts, including eight broken vessels and a decorative strip that covered the handle of a dagger. The ICP–MS results showed that the bodies of the vessels are made of tin bronze alloy with variable amounts of tin, while the internal piece of the base of one vessel is made from an arsenical copper alloy. Further, the metallic strip is a thin sheet manufactured with partially pure silver. Microanalytical and microstructural information yielded by SEM–EDS revealed elongated Cu–S inclusions and lead globules as various phases formed in bronze solid solution. This study presents some information about the transition from arsenical copper to bronze metallurgy in the third millennium bc in south-western Iran.
East Chia Sabz is a PPN site located in the Seimareh Valley, western Iran. 14C dating results ind... more East Chia Sabz is a PPN site located in the Seimareh Valley, western Iran. 14C dating results indicated that the site was occupied from the early 9th millennium to the early 7th millennium BC. As we have very little information about early Neolithic sites in Iran in comparison with the other regions of the Near and Middle East, the site of East Chia Sabz will provide a new benchmark for investigating the Neolithisation process in Iran. It is important to note that further investigation of Chia Sabz will certainly provide more secure information about how and when the Epipaleolithic transition to the Neolithic started in the region. This paper will present the recent excavations at the site, and then, based on the 14C dates, will discuss the site’s importance in western Iran.
As one of the most important archaeological sites in Iran and also because of its holiness, Naqs-... more As one of the most important archaeological sites in Iran and also because of its holiness, Naqs-e Rostam was always being paid attention through historic periods. The earliest remain of the site goes back to Elamite period while many more reliefs were then added in the Achaemenian and Sasanian periods. Except for the Elamite relief which later vanished as Bahram II relief was made over it in the Sasanian period, other reliefs of Naqs-e Rostam date to Sasanian period. However, it seems that there is one more relief which must be dated to Elamite time. This includes a standing human who has raised his hand in front of his face while represented in profile facing right. The relief was firstly introduced by Roaf who attributed it to Narseh, the Sasanian king. This paper firstly describes the relief and secondly suggests an alternative Elamite date as the result of comparative investigations.
""Lectures on Median Archaeology by a panel of Iranian archaeologists. These lectures were presen... more ""Lectures on Median Archaeology by a panel of Iranian archaeologists. These lectures were presented in Tehran University on May 8th 2012 (19th Ordibehesht 1391) and they are in Persian. This recording includes the following lectures:
Dr. Mehrdad Malekzadeh: Medes, archaeology or history?
Dr. Shahrokh Razmjou: What is Median art?
Dr. Kamyar Abdi: Medes, One or more political transformations?
Dr. Morteza Hesari: Iron age in central Iranian plateau, new findings""
Reza Naseri: Excavations at Goonespan-e Patappeh: putting the archaeology of median period in perspective
"The Iron Age of the Central Plateau of Iran is fairly introduced by the previous studies and to ... more "The Iron Age of the Central Plateau of Iran is fairly introduced by the previous studies and to be studied in current research (Qom& Kashan), of the diagnostic sites of this period in given region: Tappeh Sialk(Kashan), Shamshirgāh (Khorābād), Qoli-Darvish (Jamkarān), Sarm Graveyard
(Kahak), bi-component temples of Zārebolāq (Ali Ābād) and Vāsoun
( Kahak) are worthy to mention. Our Knowledge about this period, during the late Iron Age of the studied area especially and generally Central Plateau, basically comes from different types and horizons of potteries.
The aim of the current study is to describe and analysis the 124 decorated bricks which are related to the late Iron Age culture of the Central Plateau of Iran. This architectural decorations and decorated bricks are the most important artistic symbols of the Iranian art before the Achamenid Period, in this party of Iran. There are only 18 examples of these decorated bricks had been previously published after the Grishman’s excavations at Tappeh Sialk by the 1930th. For many years, it was impossible to compare this bricks and clarify their comparative chronology since to their rarity. Thereafter, by the recent archaeological activities, a large number of them were discovered from Qoli-Darvish (7 pieces), Shamshirgāh (46 pieces which studied here), Qolām Tappeh-i Ja’far Abad along with newly discovered samples from Tappeh Sialk (53 pieces), showing such a traditional common architectural decorations which has been used for mud brick (sometimes stone) monuments during the mid-Iron Age (Iron Age II) and late Iron Age (Iron Age III) of Central Plateau of Iran.
"
Southeastern Iran is a vast region that, in history, its different parts had various names. And t... more Southeastern Iran is a vast region that, in history, its different parts had various names. And today, the political divisions of the country include a large area in the provinces of Sistan and Baluchestan, Kerman, Hormozgan, and a small part of Greater Khorasan. This region has an undeniable role in the history and civilization of Southwest Asia, as it has shone for thousands of years as a significant part of international exchanges and cultural relations.
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Papers by Reza Naseri
well known. Among the important sites are Tappeh
Sialk (Malek Shahmirzadi 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006,
2012, 2017; Ghirshman 1938–9), Shamshirgah (Fahimi
2003; Malekzadeh & Naseri 2005; Fahimi 2010; Malekzadeh
& Naseri 2013), Qoli Darvish (Sarlak 2020, 2011; Kleiss
1983), Sarm (Sarlak 2003), Zar Bolagh (Malekzadeh
2003; Malekzadeh et al. 2014), Vasun (Malekzadeh 2004;
Malekzadeh et al. 2014), Sagz Abad (Malek Shahmirzadi
1977), Uzbaki (Majidzadeh 2010a, 2010b) and others. But
it should be mentioned that our knowledge of this period,
especially the second half (the Median period), across the
entire central part of the Iranian plateau is on the whole
restricted to pottery types and cultural horizons.
The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyse
80 examples of a little-known type of decoration associated
with the architecture of the Late Iron Age, namely the
stamped bricks found at Sialk. These bricks can be described
as the most prominent artistic feature of the centre of the
Iranian plateau before the advent of the universal art of the
Achaemenid period. Limited examples (18 specimens) of
such stamped bricks were found during the excavations at
Tappeh Sialk in the 1930s (Ghirshman 1938–9: pls XXI,
XCVIII, XCIX). But for many years, because of the lack of
similar examples, any comparative discussion and comparative
chronological research was practically impossible.
Now, however, the discovery of such bricks at three other
sites, namely Qoli Darvish (7 examples) (Sarlak 2011:
500 and 557, [Sarlak], n.d.: 2), Shamshirgah (74 examples)
(Malekzadeh & Naseri 2005) and Qolam Tappe-ye
Ja’farabad (19 examples) (Golmohammadi et al. 2014), as
well as new examples from Sialk (62 examples) (Naseri
2011), shows that such architectural decorations were a
common tradition for ornamenting brick monuments (and
sometimes stone monuments) in the center of the Iranian
plateau in the Iron Age II and Iron Age III periods (Fig. 7.1).
the Kur River Basin. The first season of excavation at Toll-e Gap was conducted in Sept/Oct 2012 to identify
the cultural stratified sequence of the site and to get relative and absolute dating for the 3rd millennium BC. Fars.
Two trenches (A and B) were excavated during this season of excavation on the east and west sides of the site
and reached the virgin soil at 5.3 m depth. According to the recovered potsherds and comparing them to the other
sites of the Kur River Basin, it can be inferred that the chronological sequence found in Toll-e Gap Kenareh
displays early Islamic, Sasanian, early Kaftari, transitional Banesh / Kaftari and Banesh (early, middle, and late?)
periods. Toll-e Gap Kenareh opens new horizons in the archaeology of Fars during the 3rd millennium BC., above
all for the transition between the well-known Banesh and Kaftari periods.
well known. Among the important sites are Tappeh
Sialk (Malek Shahmirzadi 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006,
2012, 2017; Ghirshman 1938–9), Shamshirgah (Fahimi
2003; Malekzadeh & Naseri 2005; Fahimi 2010; Malekzadeh
& Naseri 2013), Qoli Darvish (Sarlak 2020, 2011; Kleiss
1983), Sarm (Sarlak 2003), Zar Bolagh (Malekzadeh
2003; Malekzadeh et al. 2014), Vasun (Malekzadeh 2004;
Malekzadeh et al. 2014), Sagz Abad (Malek Shahmirzadi
1977), Uzbaki (Majidzadeh 2010a, 2010b) and others. But
it should be mentioned that our knowledge of this period,
especially the second half (the Median period), across the
entire central part of the Iranian plateau is on the whole
restricted to pottery types and cultural horizons.
The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyse
80 examples of a little-known type of decoration associated
with the architecture of the Late Iron Age, namely the
stamped bricks found at Sialk. These bricks can be described
as the most prominent artistic feature of the centre of the
Iranian plateau before the advent of the universal art of the
Achaemenid period. Limited examples (18 specimens) of
such stamped bricks were found during the excavations at
Tappeh Sialk in the 1930s (Ghirshman 1938–9: pls XXI,
XCVIII, XCIX). But for many years, because of the lack of
similar examples, any comparative discussion and comparative
chronological research was practically impossible.
Now, however, the discovery of such bricks at three other
sites, namely Qoli Darvish (7 examples) (Sarlak 2011:
500 and 557, [Sarlak], n.d.: 2), Shamshirgah (74 examples)
(Malekzadeh & Naseri 2005) and Qolam Tappe-ye
Ja’farabad (19 examples) (Golmohammadi et al. 2014), as
well as new examples from Sialk (62 examples) (Naseri
2011), shows that such architectural decorations were a
common tradition for ornamenting brick monuments (and
sometimes stone monuments) in the center of the Iranian
plateau in the Iron Age II and Iron Age III periods (Fig. 7.1).
the Kur River Basin. The first season of excavation at Toll-e Gap was conducted in Sept/Oct 2012 to identify
the cultural stratified sequence of the site and to get relative and absolute dating for the 3rd millennium BC. Fars.
Two trenches (A and B) were excavated during this season of excavation on the east and west sides of the site
and reached the virgin soil at 5.3 m depth. According to the recovered potsherds and comparing them to the other
sites of the Kur River Basin, it can be inferred that the chronological sequence found in Toll-e Gap Kenareh
displays early Islamic, Sasanian, early Kaftari, transitional Banesh / Kaftari and Banesh (early, middle, and late?)
periods. Toll-e Gap Kenareh opens new horizons in the archaeology of Fars during the 3rd millennium BC., above
all for the transition between the well-known Banesh and Kaftari periods.
Dr. Mehrdad Malekzadeh: Medes, archaeology or history?
Dr. Shahrokh Razmjou: What is Median art?
Dr. Kamyar Abdi: Medes, One or more political transformations?
Dr. Morteza Hesari: Iron age in central Iranian plateau, new findings""
Reza Naseri: Excavations at Goonespan-e Patappeh: putting the archaeology of median period in perspective
(Kahak), bi-component temples of Zārebolāq (Ali Ābād) and Vāsoun
( Kahak) are worthy to mention. Our Knowledge about this period, during the late Iron Age of the studied area especially and generally Central Plateau, basically comes from different types and horizons of potteries.
The aim of the current study is to describe and analysis the 124 decorated bricks which are related to the late Iron Age culture of the Central Plateau of Iran. This architectural decorations and decorated bricks are the most important artistic symbols of the Iranian art before the Achamenid Period, in this party of Iran. There are only 18 examples of these decorated bricks had been previously published after the Grishman’s excavations at Tappeh Sialk by the 1930th. For many years, it was impossible to compare this bricks and clarify their comparative chronology since to their rarity. Thereafter, by the recent archaeological activities, a large number of them were discovered from Qoli-Darvish (7 pieces), Shamshirgāh (46 pieces which studied here), Qolām Tappeh-i Ja’far Abad along with newly discovered samples from Tappeh Sialk (53 pieces), showing such a traditional common architectural decorations which has been used for mud brick (sometimes stone) monuments during the mid-Iron Age (Iron Age II) and late Iron Age (Iron Age III) of Central Plateau of Iran.
"