Study and Analysis of the Settlement Pattern in the Catchment Area of Lalbar River during the Parthian Periods

Laalvar region, as part of the great Qomrud River, is referred to a section that differs from the main bed of Qomrud River in topographical structure and geographical environment, and includes an inter-mountain plain and the high rolling terrains around it. This region has always been welcomed by humans due to its favorable environmental conditions, and settlement evidence of different periods can be observed in it. According to archaeological surveys conducted in Laalvar region during two periods in 2008 and 2014, one hundred and eighty five archaeological sites from the fifth millennium BC to the contemporary era were identified, each with one or more settlement periods. However, in terms of extent and importance of the sites, as well as the time span of each period, this region has been very important the historical period, especially the Parthian and Sassanid periods. This can be demonstrated with regard to the presence of monuments such as Khorheh temple, Atashkouh fire temple, Mil-e Milona, etc. One of the most important settlement periods of this region is the Parthian period that according to archaeological research, during this time, on the one hand, the region witnessed an increase in settlement and demographic evidence, and on the other, significant sites such as Khorheh and Jam were also formed. Unfortunately, despite the high importance of this period, no comprehensive and independent studies have been conducted on it so far, and issues such as the reconstruction of the Parthian settlement pattern structure and the factors affecting Parthian sites are still remained unclear. Therefore, based on the data obtained from archaeological activities in the region, and preparation of GIS maps, the authors managed to study and finally analyze and reconstruct the landscape of Laalvar region in Parthian period as well as the environmental patterns of the settlements in this period.