Archaeological Survey of the Kordian District, Jahrom, Iran

Kordian distrct is located in the east and south east of Jahrom region, Fars, Iran. The archaeological survey of Kordian district was conducted in 2014, led to identifying 57 sites. The all identified sites are divided in 12 groups: Cave-sites, watchtowers, castles, Chahar taqi, Carvanserais, Tappeh-sites, bridge and dams, mills, cemeteries, cisterns, holly shrines and an old route. No prehistoric Tepes were found in the survey. Nonetheless, the first extensive settlements in the region were revealed in the Sassanid period. It seems that, control of water resources by dams, cultivating fertile lands and trading through the Persian Gulf, were the factors of rising settlements in this period. Some dispersal Islamic settlements were also identified. It is likely that, the main subsistence economy in this period was horticulture and agriculture and the main resource of water was Qantas. With prosper of trade in the Safavid period, through the southern Persian Gulf harbors, the trading routes, which were passed from the Kordian district, were so dynamic. The existence of different Caravanserais and description of tourists indicate the dynamic of these routes. In sum, it seems that, easy access to the water resources, fertile lands and trading and traveling routes were the main factors in the distribution of sites.