A Suggestion to Establish the Chronology and Determine the Application of Defensive Architecture Remnants of Mount Ashkawt, Mahmoud Abad (Northwest Iran)

Mount Ashkawt in the northeast of Mahmoudabad town contains extensive archaeological remains that have not been systematically surveyed and no information published about it yet. There are collapsed stone structures probably related to the defensive fortifications of a castle on the west, north, and south sides of the mountain. Further, there are scattered stone structures in the form of low barrows and regular wall bases on top of the mountain. Based on the methods of construction, materials, potsherds, and paleoclimate indicators, the chronology of the site has been established; the architectural remains may be attributed to the Parthian and Sassanid periods according to comparative studies. During a preliminary survey on the remains illegally excavated places by looters, several potsherds including the edge, handle, bottom, and body of the buff ware vessels were found to correlate with the Parthian period. Natural and human factors have changed the structure of Mount Ashkawt and the architectural remains on it over time. Besides, Unauthorized excavations are an important factor that damaged the architectural structures of this large natural-archaeological site. Therefore, cultural heritage officials must pay attention to conservation and management programs.