Preliminary Report of 16th Season of Excavations at Tepe Hegmataneh; Hamedan

The archaeological campaign of the 16th season of excavations in Tepe Hegmataneh intended to explore the architectural structures belonging to the historical period. The excavated area consists of 4 squares including AJ45, AJ46, AK45, and AK46 with a total size of 400. Excavations in these squares recorded 55, 54, 105, and 116 loci respectively. The architecture belonging to the historical period was uncovered at an average depth of 4.00 cm from BM1, and after clarifying the spaces, determining the condition of the floors and revealing the façades of the walls, the excavations in the squares was completed. A suite of architectural spaces appeared through excavations in these squares. Though there were slight differences, the plan was similar to the standard one suggested by Mohammad Rahim Sarraf. The revealed architecture includes one passage, three complete spaces, and parts of three other spaces. Based on the results of thermoluminescence experiment, it is rejected not only that this architecture belongs to the Medes, but also that its belonging to Parthians must be reconsidered.