Study and Estimation of Population Fluctuations of Bronze Age Settlements of Varzaqan Based on Ethno-archaeological Studies

The study of the population of ancient settlements provides the possibility of reconstructing the political, economic, social and cultural mechanisms of past societies and shows a new perspective on the life of previous societies. The present study was conducted on the county of Varzeqan, which has significant capacities in terms of ethno-archaeological research. However, so far no research has been conducted to estimate the population in this area. The present study uses a descriptive-analytical method and an ethno-archaeological approach to estimate the population by establishing a logical connection between the population attraction models of modern settlements of Varzeqan and the Bronze Age sites. That is, calculating the approximate population by conducting field studies, estimating the extent and the population of ​​villages and nomadic settlements, and comparing the extent of ​​Bronze Age sites. This way, a clear understanding of the demographic changes in Varzeqan County can be achieved. Accordingly, the population density of Varzeqan county is estimated to be 42 people per hectare and the population density of Bronze Age settlements is estimated as follows: in the early Bronze Age, with an area of more than 3.8 hectares, a population of about 160 people; in the middle Bronze Age with an area of 12.7 hectares, a population of about 533 people; and in the late Bronze Age with an area of 75.53 hectares, a population of 3172 people were present and settled in this region.