Demographic studies of cultural periods from Neolithic to the Bronze Age in the Laran County, Chahar Mahal and Bakhtiari Province

According to the studies conducted by western archaeologists in a number of plains in Iran such as Doroodzan and Shahabad Plains, they have estimated population of the nuclear villages in the above plains between 100 and 150 people per hectare. This estimation is mostly related to large sedimentary plains with agricultural and animal husbandry livelihood. It seems, the condition in highland is different with those villages in lowlands due to differences in their lifestyle.  Accordingly, Laran County, which is located in the highland with nomadic lifestyle and animal husbandry, was studied to estimate its population in each period and assess its population changes during long period.  By applying Descriptive-Analytical and statistical methods such as SPSS, it was attempted to have a better understanding of the population changes. To estimate population of the area, population census of the modern day villages during year 2012 and ethno-archaeological activities such as study of 21 modern campsites were applied in this study. Finally, it was estimated that each person occupies 5/6 sq. m in village houses and 6/5 sq. m in campsites. Consequently, based on our studies in village houses and surrounding areas, it seems 51 persons are living in each hectare.  For campsites, which are located close to the village houses, it was estimated to 27 persons per hectare. Then the prehistoric population of Laran County was estimated in both site and region scales.