Tepe Yalfan: A Newly-Found Iron Age III site on the Hamedan Plain

The Iron Age III in western Iran especially that of the Hamedan Plain, is of particular importance in archeological studies. Despite the recognition of the importance of the Hamedan Plain during the historical periods, there are many settlements of the Iron Age III in this area that are still relatively unknown. Tepe Yalfan is one such site, belonging to Iron Age III, located in the southeast of the Hamedan plain, at the confluence of two rivers, the Simin and Yalfan Roud. With the construction of the Ekbatan dam, Tepe Yalfan was marooned in the reservoir. During the years 2007 and 2008, the site was excavated as a salvage project due to the dam construction. Tepe Yalfan contains two cultural periods: Iron Age III architectural remains and Islamic graves. Due to the time limits of the salvage project, only some parts of a brick wall with was found. The similarity of the potsherds from Tepe Yalfan to other Median sites such as Nushijan, Godin II, and Baba jan II.I has helped the excavation team (the director: A.M.) to date the site. Based on the studies, Tepe Yalfan was a dependent settlement of the Median capital, ca. 800- 600 bc.