نشریه پژوهش های باستان شناسی ایران
پیاپی 16 (بهار 1397)

As a result of archaeological investigations of the last two decades in the Northern part of the Iranian Central Desert, numbers of Paleolithic localities have been discovered. The condition of this part of the Iranian Plateau in the context of the Late Pleistocene archaeology has been vague before such discoveries. The presence of two distinct geomorphological formations of desert and mountains in close proximity has created a unique geography in the region, with several corridors lying between them, which could have been used by Pleistocene populations. The width of these corridors has been subjected to constant changes through expansions and contractions of the Iranian Central Desert. Aside from two potential coastal routes one in the north and the other, south of the Iranian Plateau, the northern fringes of the Iranian Central Desert has been recently identified as the third dispersal route, presenting accessible routes for hominins dispersing out of Africa to eastward. In addition to the Paleolithic localities discovered from the western (the modern-day provinces of Zanjān and Qazvin), central (Tehrān province), and southern (Isfahān modern province) parts of the center of Iranian Plateau, some other Paleolithic sites have been discovered which are located in the modern province of Semnān; including Mirak, Delāzian, and Sūfi-Ābād. One of the newly-discovered open-air sites of the Northern part of the Iranian Central Desert is Chāh-e Jam. It is located about 300 km east of Tehrān, south of the modern city of Dāmqān and north of Hāji Ali-qoli (Chāh-e Jam) playa. Geomorphological studies indicate that the Iranian Central Desert has previously consisted of several lakes, the remains of them are still visible in form of numerous playas across the desert. It seems that the Hāji Ali-qoli (Chāh-e Jam) playa have had a key role in the formation of Chah-e Jam Paleolithic site throughout the late Pleistocene. Chāh-e Jam has been discovered during an archaeological expedition in the summer of 2014, directing by Vahdati Nasab. The expedition was part of a long-term archaeological project known as “Paleolithic surveys of the northern central desert of Iran”. The project’s area of survey begins from the boundaries of the border of the modern provinces of Tehran-Semnan west to Khār-Tūrān National Park in the east. Chāh-e Jam lies within the eastern part of the region of study. The Northern edge of the Iranian Central Desert has been subject to several seasons of systematic Paleolithic surveys from 2009, all have been directed by by Vahdati Nasab. The scattes surface lithics of the site widely but thinly, throughout an area as large as about 18 km2(9×2km). The discovery of Chāh-e Jam implies the likeliness that the climatic condition of the late Pleistocene was rather different from today’s arid condition. A total of 525 lithic artifacts were collected during the 2014 field mission. Regarding to lithics’ raw material, various rocks with volcanic origins (i.e., igneous rocks) make over 50% of the assemblage, while the other half is made on chert, sandstone, and siltstone. No outcrops of chert and tuff were seen in the area. The majority of the assemblage demonstrate signs of weathering, and one piece represents evidence of heavy water erosion. Techno-typological analysis of lithic assemblage recovered from Chāh-e Jam indicates an abundance of levallois technology and numerous retouched tool types (e.g., Levallois points, and all types of convergent scrapers), leading the site to be attributed principally to the Middle Paleolithic period. The presence of some typological elements of later periods indicates that the site has been inhabited during Upper/Epipaleolithic periods as well. This site, along with other Middle Paleolithic occupations of this landscape, indicate that climatic conditions of Late Pleistocene were significantly different to present, and the presence of playa lakes and associated vegetation permitted hominin populations to occupy the currently arid areas.

Ali Kosh is known as one of the most important Neolithic sites across the Near East as it has already yielded informative evidence of early sedentary lifestyle and domestication. However, the site’s chronology has been a controversial issue over the last several decades. F. Hole had generally placed it within a long time spanning ca. 7500-6000 B.C. Later dates by M. Zeder indicated much shorter time duration in the second half of the 8th millennium B.C., and believed that the site was under occupation for only 500 years. These chronological challenges along with attaining new evidence of subsistence, paved the way for a new stratigraphy at the site in the spring of 2017. Thus, an area, 3by3 m in size, was initially opened in adjacent to the location of previous excavations areas. This provided us with not only benefiting from a predictive section but also reaching stratigraphic proposes similar to Hole’s ones and to revise his results as much as possible. The trench then reduced to 2.5by 2.5 m down to the virgin soil at 710 cm below the surface. As the result, 18 occupational levels were distinguished in the way that levels 1-5, 6-11 and 12-18 can be placed within the so-called phases of Mohammad Jaffar, Ali Kosh and Bus Mordeh respectively. However, Hole defined these three general phases based on trajectory of subsistence strategies although other technological indications were somewhat given attention. Therefore, they should be regarded as “cultural” phases, not indicators of occupational sequences. However, new stratigraphy showed three gaps as well. Based on the new radiocarbon dates the site was occupied during one thousand years lasting from 7500 to 6500 B.C. Pre-pottery deposits, ie. Bus Mordeh and Ali Kosh phases, are both placed within the second half of the 8th millennium Bc, while upper pottery deposits, i.e. Mohammad Jaffar phase, is wholly dated to the first half of the 7th millennium B.C. This new chronology shows that the pottery was appeared at the site around 7000 B.C., contemporaneously with other regions across the Near East. In general, the new stratigraphy has revised not only sequences of occupation but also the time and duration of the phases previously known from Tapeh Ali Kosh.

The archaeological survey and identification of the Patak Plain in Deh Luran was carried out during the winter of 2016 titled “Drainage Survey and Identification Number 23” as one of the 10 Rescue Programs of the National Tropical Plan. Detection, documentation, national registration, determining the area and frontage of archaeological sites, and contingent necessary rescue excavations, were the main aims of this survey program. Patak plain is located in a definite environs between rivers Dowirag and Chichab, and the highlands of Mamelah and Dalpari southeastern of Deh Luran. During this survey which was done intensive and systematic methodologically, 58 mounds, sites and areas and two chains of ducts (Qanat) were discovered. Many evidences related to various phases of Village Periods were gathered from 22 sites of the given ancient areas. The material of the Initial Village Period (Bus Mordeh, Ali Kosh, Mohammad Ja’far, Sefid and Sorkh) were observed on the surface of 10 sites. 12 settlements were belong to CMT (Chagha Mami Transition), Sabz and Khazineh related to the Early Village Period. Increasing the number of settlements was the most important event in Patak Plain during the Middle Village Period. We have gathered the cultural material of this period in 17 sites. The number of sites decreased into 7 settlements during Late Village Period (the Susa A and Sargarab phases) extremely. Despite of the western portion of Deh Luran Plain in which many archaeological surveys and excavations have been conducted, its eastern part, mainly, Patak Plain was unknown. The performance of the present survey has pave the way to put some questions upon settlement pattern, chronology and regional interactions of the plain. We have analyzed the gathered material from the all sites to determine the position of chronology, to understand the situation of sites’ settling, and to distinguish the cultural interactions of Patak Plain. We have analyzed the data base of the survey and then classified and typed the sherds and lithics and objects, and studied them in relation with contemporary sites of vicinity regions comparatively to achieve a chronological result. The importance of the archaeological situation of Patak Plain was defined by doing of this survey. Moreover, we could improve our understanding of the number of sites and the position of their settlings, and the level of interrelations of the Patak Plain internally and externally during the four phases of Village Period (Initial, Early, Middle and Late). Finding of the stone tools and objects the same as those of Bos Mordeh and Ali Kosh phases in some sites of this region, intensifies a hypotheses of synchronous village period life by Patak Plain and western part of Deh Luran Plain residents. The most important point on Early Village Period in Patak Plain were the abandonment of some sites and the formation of new settlements. These occurrences are analyzable on the basis of easy and favorable access to ecological variables, and forced abandonment of some members of early village period original sites because of populations’ increase further site-catchment of settlements. Patak Plain faced with increasing of the number of sites (17) and abundance of population in middle village period. The number of settlements has reduced to 7 sites during late village period. Settlements in Patak plain have been begun from the Bus Mordeh and Ali Kosh phases and continued to Mohammad Ja’far period in which an important innovation in technology i.e. ceramic production was begun. Pottery shards of the various village periods in Patak Plains are comparative with simultaneous sites in Deh Luran Plain, Eastern Susiana (Chagha Mish and Chagha Bonut), and Western Susiana (Djowi, Ja’farabad and Susa).

Of The mountainous plain of the Alvand mountain range are typically the Malayer plain cloth of the most susceptible areas of the central Zagros region which has always been of interest to various human communities and has a high potential locating habitats and settlements in the early societies. Unlike other areas of the central Zagros, where more archeological studies are carried out, the Malayer plain is more unknown in this regard; so, the archaeological excavation project ‘’Poshteh-Forodgah” Tepe, for the first time aimed to investigate and reveal the Late Neolithic developments of this areas were carried out. The site, one of the areas that has thick ashy deposits, coarse painted pottery and large amount of bones have reveal a seasonal settlement of the Late Neolithic season. Here, while studying the living pattern of communities of this area; following the answer to the question of the causes of the current presence of the nomadic communities with the Late Neolithic herding subsistence in Malayer plain and how (their origin and destination) they move? -have discussed and analyzed. Assuming the existence of ‘’Roadside’’, ‘’Rich Meadows’’ and ‘’Water Resources’’ of Malayer plain in the watershed of the Haram rood, in the adjacent regions of the plains between Kermanshah and Lurestan, is possible. Research method is based on the historical – analytical method, with the field study approach, the results of the exploration of the Poshteh-Forodgah Tepe is based on the ideas of pastoral communities. The results of the research are from two perspectives: first, ‘’range land and water’’ which the Malayer plain was beneficial in terms of the presence of expansion of settlements; second, the ‘’roads’’ (roads teads) which the Malayer plain has had as Late Neolithic sites and communities in its neighboring areas, which has had a significant impact on the shaping and location of the sites; so that, the Late Neolithic settlements of Malayer plain in the river and communication paths are formed linear and clustery; this approach was taken from the environmental behaviors of single-person communities. Due to the lack of archaeological evidence from the exploration province and the Malayer plain from the Neolithic period, it seems that exploring the site seems to provide a more comprehensive perspective on how is the cultural, social, economic changes, and exchanges and the growth and spread the cultures of the Neolithic period has illuminated the southern slopes of the Alvand mountains on the eastern coast of the eastern Central Zagros; because the type behind the Poshteh-Forodgah in the west of Malayer plain, as a point connecting the northern and southern regions, in the Samen valley, passing by the mount Alamdar, the Nahavand corridor to Boraujerd, and then passing through the plain of the Nileh-e-Nahavand in the north, Gamasin river from the Pirouzan and its neighbor to the historical monument to Kermanshah. It should also be noted that the watershed basin of the shrine river and then the Gamasiab basin played a significant role in the movement and migration of the tribes and the cultural disturbances of the eastern part of the Central Zagros during the late Neolithic period which are mainly related to the nomadic way of life; because at least, archaeological studies have been carried out in the types of Goran, se Gabi, Sarab, Qala-Gap, Siahbid, Chogamaran, Ravahul and Deh-Haji, as well as the type behind the Poshteh-Forodgah have somewhat proven this point. It can be assumed that during the late Neolithic period of this cultural region (Central Zagros) there has been a change in the type of formation of its own settlement patterns, so that its societies are looking for intact pastures, a new type of life and subsistence strategy have taken the most adaptation to life based on nomadism and animal husbandry.

Excavations at the Gheshlagh have the potential to shed indispensable light on the prehistoric cultures of the region. The absolute lack of earlier excavations with particular emphasis on the Chalcolithic period in the region further highlights the significance of the recent digging works at Tepe Gheshlagh. The main objective of these excavations is to establish the cultural sequence of the site. Other aims include dating the most important settlement attested at the site, and pinpointing the subsistence system of the Chalcolithic community that occupied it. Excavations at Tepe Gheshlagh have furnished invaluable information regarding the Dalma culture in eastern Kurdistan, thus enabling a more comprehensive analysis of the cultural accomplishments of the period here as compared to any other of the relevant sites. Tepe Gheshlagh lies between the natural corridor covered in a thick red or Ocherous slip and a type with applied decorations in the form of animal horns and tab handles may somehow relate the site to the Hassuna site of Umm Dabaghiyah, particularly as the deposit contained what seem to be sherds from husking trays. Results from the excavations suggest that a settlement that had continued uninterruptedly since the early Chalcolithic period was abruptly abandonment sometime at the end of the late phase of the same period, which corresponds with Godin Period VII. In the wake of this clear hiatus that coincided with the replacement in the region of the Yanik culture, a transient settlement again formed on the southern slope of the mound in the mid- or late Bronze period and later occupations at the site would continue into the Iron III. Therefore, settlements at Tepe Geshlagh span several periods. Though there is as yet no conclusive evidence to account for this fluctuating settlement history, it may partially be attributed to the environmental pollution prompted by local tin, copper and plaster (tophus) mines, the strains caused by famine, and the less-fertile nature of regional soil. In general, though a sequence from the Chalcolithic through the Iron III has been documented at Tepe Gheshlagh, the settlements did not continue incessantly as there are clear evidence for a prolonged gap at the end of the late Chalcolithic era which would simply be interrupted in the mid-or late Bronze Age with a transient occupation of a transhumant group on parts of the southern slope of the mound. And, it was only in the late Iron Age, in about the eighth or seventh century B.C., that another major settlement was developed on the eastern slope of the mound. Infertile soil, rather high elevation and, consequently, the relatively colder climate compared with the surrounding regions as Considering that in the cultural materials of this exploration there are signs of the traditions of the Late Neolithic period, therefore, the main purpose of this article is to examine the process of the transition of cultural traditions from Late Neolithic Period to Early chalcolithic period, which has so far been dealt with, given that There is evidence in the Gheshlagh that the way this process is explained. These studies can illustrate the cultural relations of the ancient rural communities in the eastern part of the central Zagros with neighboring regions such as northwest Iran and Mesopotamia. On the other hand, the origin and form of the formation of the first rural cultures and the transition to the complex livelihoods, economic and social systems, that’s important.

The southern Rudbar plain is located in the southeast of the Halilrud cultural area southeastern Iran; this region has been many potentials for human communities due to suitable environmental conditions, including permanent water of the Halilrud, and a vast and fertile plain. Archaeological research in this area has been very low, this research has been done on the basis of questions about the pattern of distribution and different types of settlements in different period, factors effecting on this pattern and cultural interations with other adjacent areaes and hypothesises including impact of Halilroud and natural conditions of Rudbar plain and mountainous areas on way of distribution and the size of the sites. The purpose of these surveys is to recognizance the settlements status and interations of this area with other parts of Halilroud area and identify the way of cultures distribution over time. The research methodology was field survey and documenting the sites. These surveys cover an area of more than 6,000 square kilometers, resulting in the identification of 279 sites of various periods; these sites, in terms of nature and morphology, fall into five general categories: 1- tell sites and ancient areas 2- cemeteries 3- castles 4- water mills 5- rock carvings. These sites are attributed to different periods based on relative chronology: 95 of them include Prehistoric sites, 145 Historical sites, and 50 Islamic period sites. According to the surveys, the earliest settlements found the area dates back to the Chalcolithic period; identifying settlements of the bronze age, historical and islamic periods, indicates the sequence of settlements of region. The distribution patterns of sites, which are formed along Hailirud banks, the slopes and the subtropical and intermediate mountains, show a cluster pattern; according to available evidence such as the location, extent, and density of the surface effects of the sites, they can be attributed to permanent or seasonal settlements. This paper tries to present meanwhile introducing the settlements of different periods the general perspective of the past cultural changes in this region.

Obsidian artifacts were frequently used in prehistory and are widely found on archaeological sites around the world. Provenance studies of obsidian have been an issue of intense research and debate between archeaometry and geology. Different provenance studies were carried out in Anatolia and the Caucasus since the 1960s, but obsidian research in Iran is still at a very early stage and can be considered as terra incognita. Recent research on obsidian sources in Iran accompanied by prehistoric obsidian provenance studies gave the opportunity to establish a database, and to outline a horizon and perspective for future obsidian studies in Iran (Abedi et al., in prep.). Two seasons of excavation in Kul Tepe revealed the important material from Late Neolithic/Early Chalcolithic (Dalma) to Achaemenid periods. For the measurements a portable ED-XRF device (Thermo Scientific Niton XL3t) was used, equipped with an Ag anode at max. 50 kV, silicon drift detector. Some of the most reliable element concentrations in obsidian that can be obtained using portable ED-XRF are Rb, Sr, Y, Zr and Nb, if the concentrations are above the detection limit. Analysis by X-ray fluorescence of 53 obsidian artifacts from first season proved that the main source of obsidian for the workshops in Kul Tepe was Syunik (41 samples) but obsidian sources as far as west as the Lake Van region (Nemrut Dag (2) and Meydan Dag (4) and as far north as Gutansar (1), Bazenk (1), Choraphor (1) were also utilized and only one specimen had an unassigned source. In addition, according to second season obsidian artifacts analysis by pXRF it should be suggested that from 32 samples, 29 specimens belong to Syunik and only three samples come from Meydan Dag obsidian mine. A scatter plot of the Zr versus Y concentration allows recognition of three clusters which match the composition of the well-known sources: Syunik (24 artifacts), Geghasar (5 artifact) and Meydan Dağ (3 artifacts). Syunik is the closest source in the vicinity of Kul Tepe, not more than 75km far from the site (as the crow flies). Syunik material was used in all prehistoric periods at Kul Tepe but Geghasar obsidian obviously only in the Early Chalcolithic (Dalma) (2 samples), Kura-Araxes I (2 samples) and Kura-Araxes II (1 sample) periods. Meydan Dağ obsidian only in the Early Chalolithic (Dalma) (2 samples) and Late Chalcolithic 3 (Chaff-Face Ware) (1 sample) periods. Our results show that the site of Kul Tepe was involved in a broad network of trade and exchange of obsidian. The main and closest source of obsidian supplying the workshops at Kul Tepe was Syunik but obsidian sources as far as west as the Lake Van region (Nemrut Dag and Meydan Dag) and as far north as Gutansar were also utilized. The distances from Syunik and Nemrut Dag to Kul Tepe are about 75 km and 300 km, respectively. During the Early Chalcolithic Dalma period, two main obsidian supply zones are identified: Syunik-Gegham and Meydan Dag, whereas Syunik predominates. From LC1, a refocus on Syunik is attested. This could be explained, as indicated in the first season results, by a development of transhumans towards the Vorotan Valley. Such a development is suggested by the Kul Tepe excavations, where obsidian is imported in the form of pebbles, similar to those found in the Vorotan River at Godedzor.

Megaron -þ shaped buildings are one of the specific kinds of rectangular architecture which have been used for many centuries, as a common and particular form, within a wide geographical range from West Asia to Europe. These types of buildings were built in central, east, and southeast of Europe, Anatolia, Aegean Cultural Area, and Eastern Mediterranean coast. The oldest remains of Megaron-shaped architectural structures were found in the Middle East on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea or Levantþ, in an archaeological site near the Jordan River, dating back to the 7th millennium B.C. In addition, the first remains of Megaron-shaped structures in Anatolia were found in the site of ancient Troy (the Hissarlik Hill), which dates back to the beginning of the 3rd millennium and the end of the 4th millennium B.C. The historical and cultural influence of this architectural style can be seen in the architectural traditions of classical antiquity in Greece and Roman civilizations, especially in the construction of residential houses and temples. The oldest written documentary evidence and reference about Megaron, as an architectural structure, has been identified in the Homer poems, an ancient Greek poet. There are hypotheses about the origin of the word Megaron refering it to the Semitic or Egyptian languages, but they have not provided sufficient evidence for their assumptions. Therefore, there is generally more agreement on the theory which the root of the word Megaron is Indo-European. Academic awareness and research around the first forms of this architecture have made major progress since 1870 and after archaeological excavation at west Turkey and Greece. The period in which this architecture was invented and used is synchronous with the widespread social complexity, cultural and economic changes in western Anatolian, Aegean, and Eastern Mediterranean regions. The spread of geographic extent, time period, and functional characteristics of Megaron buildings have led to the formation of different and sometimes contradictory views and opinions about the structure and concepts associated with the architecture of the Megaron.þ This form of building and its derivatives, in Anatolia and its surrounding territories, are specifically used as religious, ritual or political centers (ceremonial), workshops, public buildings,þ and especially residential buildings.þ Hence, in accordance with different functions, many secondary functional structural ingredients have been created. This research was conducted because of the historical background and importance of the Megaron and its role in the history of Anatolian architecture, and is based on official archaeological reports in mentioned areas, and historical sources. It also addresses the issue that how the definition of the Megaron architecture can be redefined considering different and sometimes conflicting views. In this regard, the Megaron is usually a rectangular building or a right-corner construction divided into two sections by two lateral walls, the larger section (main hall), and the smaller one (vestibule). These features, regardless of other features, form the basic skeleton of the structure. In this regard, the Megaron type architecture is divided into two groups of single-structure and complexes. Secondary structures in this type of architecture are divided into two groups: structural extensions and non-structural extensions. In defining this architecture, we should not ignore variable criteria dependent on secondary factors. It should be considered that the Megaron architecture is not a fixed form with definite and absolute elements, but according to efficiency, the era, or geographic location, other functional parts may exist. In this research, in the Anatolian region, considering various indicators and important Megaron structures still more information exists to be explored about these structures apart from 100 and 71 buildingsþ identified, reviewed, and introduced to this date.

Northwestern Iran is one of the key regions in the archaeological researches and the field of interest for many scholars, especially during the Iron Age and Proto-Historic period. The Iron Age, which covers the middle of the 2nd millennium B.C. to the middle of the 1st millennium BC, is a highly scrutinized period in terms of the evolution of cultures in the archaeology of Iran. The cultural, economy, and social developments during this age underlined the emergence of the Mannaean (Iron Age II) and Median (Iron Age III) governments, which consequently gave rise to the Achaemenid Empire in Iran. Iranian and Foreign archaeological studies who focused on this period paid attention to various subjects, such as cultural continuity or change from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age, the typology of material culture, settlement patterns, and the debate regarding the Indo-Iranian migration. Tepe Hasanlou is an important ancient site due to its long sequence occupation and extensive excavations, which relatively complete studies, have been conducted in its cultural materials, including architecture, metal objects, pottery, burials, seals, ornaments, and human skeletons. The subsistence economy of the site has not been studied purposefully and comprehensively. In this regard, this paper dealing with the subsistence patterns and the way of human interactions with environment, through the bioarchaeological researches at Tepe Hasnalou specifically and northwestern Iran generally. We used the results of biological anthropology, archaeobotany, and archaeozoology obtaining the given goals. The paper is attempting to synthesis the results of mentioned multidisciplinary studies with archaeological evidences and historical records in order to re-identifying the agricultural and animal husbandry systems. The acquaintance of modern agricultural and animal husbandry activities in northwestern Iran is another possibility, which is very important for the interpretation of ancient subsistence economy. Hence, the geographical landscape, the location of pastures, products of agricultural activities and livestock, and pastoral-nomadism strategies in the region to foraging the herds are introduced in the paper. Fortunately, substantial, large, and well-preserved animal remains from Tepe Hasanlu were kept and curated at the National Museum of Iran. This collection belongs to the last seasons of excavation in 1970, 1972 and 1974, which was not studied before. The floral remains and human skeletons have a better situation considering with conducted studies by physical anthropologists and archaeobotanists. These studies published in the different journals or reports of excavations could give us the general view and awareness about agricultural activities, dietary and nutrition of residence of Tepe Hasanlou, especially during the Late Bronze Age and Iron Age. Other evaluated evidence includes the ancient records of Neo-Assyrian Empire which are mentioned to the governments of the northwestern Iran during the 1st millennium B.C. These records indicated that, Tepe Hasanlou was a province of the Mannaean State with some cultural and political communications with northern Mesopotamia. On the basis of Assyrian records, sheep, cattle, horse, and two-humped camel were the dominant animals of the region. In the 1st millennium B.C., the ancient northwestern powers of Iran used these livestock as tribute to the New Assyrian Empire. In this regard, the current study attempts to compare this historical evidence with the results of bioarchaeological studies. The results indicate the existence of developed agricultural and animal husbandry systems at Tepe Hasanlu during the late 2nd and throughout the 1st millennia B.C. All such evidence supports the existence of a sedentary society that relied on animal husbandry and farming. The results of bioarchaeological, paleoclimatological, and palynological researches demonstrate the presence of socio-economical system of nomadic pastoralism and transhumance during the Iron Age, which probably was in communications with sedentary city societies such as Tepe Hasanlou.

The great Gorgan plain was considered as one of the significant area in Parthian and Sassanid empires because of its good climate and strategic location. The Chelchay River drainage in Minodasht in the east margin of the Gorgan plain located to forming a particular cultural landscape in the region since it had two different natural views: plain and jungle mountain. Both environment potential and cultural richness as well as historical area which were identified in archaeological investigation have provided an appropriate base for landscape archaeological studies. In systematic archaeological investigations with the aim of the study of the role of environmental components in the distribution of Parthian settlements which were undertaken on Fall, 2016, 110 zones were identified, among which 80 zones were belonged to Parthian period. This number advocates not only the significant role but also the strategic position and favorable environment of this region in the survey of cultural history of Iran in Parthian period. The most important question of the research it could mention to the way of forming and distribution of settlement, the affection factor in finding location, and also the recognition of the settlement pattern in Parthian at region. One of the new approaches in Archaeology is the Landscape Archaeology which studies the relationship between the environment and settlement factors. Applying the Landscape Archaeology in this article, it is endeavored to identify and reconstruct the effective environmental variants and patterns in the distribution of Parthian settlements in the region. In this regard, using GIS, archaeological data of Minodasht was put in the context of environment, and the output maps illustrate that the altitude and connecting roads factors are the most effective environmental characteristics in the distribution pattern; Altitude and roughness are important faction in distribution of Parthian settlements in the Chelchay River drainage. Minodasht county is consist of two sections of plain and intermountain vallies from the topographic point of view. According to the distribution maps, Parthian inhibition prefers to establish their settlements in both plain and foothill areas. On the other hand, the specific geographical situation of Minodasht (as one of part of Hirkan land), in the middle of central Asia and Iranian plateau, makes it as the intermediate region in economic, political and cultural trades. Passing one of paths of the Silk roods from Hirkan region which was also referred by Historical documents, is considered as an affirmation on this interacting role and intervention in the region. About the life of Parthian inhibitions in the Chelchay River drainage, it could be concluded that locating on the extension of Alborz Mountains caused easy access of water source (such as Chelchay River and Narmab river sand spring) for the region. Other significant factors in the life of inhabitants are altitude, slope gradient and its direction. The altitude of the investigation is being about 60 to 1300 meters asl.,which indicate that this region was considered foothill and plain and also the slope gradient in most of region is less than 10degree. Aforementioned factors demonstrate that the life of Parthian inhibition to minodasht was base on agriculture and ranching. Generally, according to the mention factors and the landscape of the investigation site, the distribution of settlement in mountain area was liner, in the extension of river and interacting road which had affective role on security of inter –plain settlement. In the plain section, Parthian settlement with the average of 3 hectares, was village and less population center which were formed around Dasht Halghe. It could be said that the Central Place Models is the pattern of the region.

Troglodytic architecture in terms of its use has such types as residential, sheltering, infrastructural, and religious. Religious type which has a long history of this kind of architecture is used in religious buildings scattered in various regions of Iran and have been used in various historical periods. The continuity of use of this type of architecture in the religious relics, along with other factors, can be evaluated according to its specific characteristics, in terms of its responsiveness to the needs of the users. Because of the favorable temperature conditions created by these spaces, they have still been used by the users before the emergence of cooling/heating equipments. The mosque of Ghadamgah in the city of Azar Shahr, Imamzadeh Masoum Vargui in Maragheh and the sanctuary of the village of Abazar in the city of Nir are from well-known samples of troglodytic areas in the northwestern Iran. In the central region of Iran, six building around the geographical area of the historical city of Naein include the mosques of Ali Abad and Mosalla in the city of Bafran, the underground sections of the mosque of Sarkucheh Mohammadie and the underground space in the Jame’ mosques of the cities of Naein, Bafran and Neiestanak are examples of worthwhile and valuable in this type of architecture in the country. According to the studies, less research has been done so far, studying and revising these works. Therefore, the present research was done for the first time aiming to comparative analysis and also the presentation of the similarities and differentiations of the architectural forms used in these spatial spaces belonging to two different geographic regions. The study and the comparisons among three relics in Northwestern Iran and six troglodytic relics in central part of Iran (Naein County) showed that a particular form of architectural pattern can be considered in the comparative works. An underground troglodytic architecture, a linear spatial pattern along a longitudinal axis, a motorized movement consistent with the main axis, and an emphasis on the importance of the space in the spatial layout of the physical hierarchy, are among the characteristics of this common form. The spatial arrangement of these works is along with longitudinal axis, in a row in succession and repeat. The motion in this form corresponds to the main axis of the building and follows a linear pattern, along with its length, has organized a string of spaces which are distinguished in terms of size and function. Emphasising on the importance of space in this form of architecture is at the end of the spatial-hierarchical layout. In Naein Jame’ mosque, the Nistanak mosque and the Imamzadeh Masoum Vrajoy have made this emphasis on space with the lowest degree of permeability. In the examples of Abazar Nayer and Ali Abad mosque, by the end of the complex, at Ghadamghah of Aazrshahr and Masjid Mosalla with a few steps at the junction of the middle hall with the ending hall, and in the mosque of Sarkucheh with lower vaults, the emphasis is on the role and importance of the end space. The distinguishing feature of these works is their internal form. The three northwestern manuments have a circular plan and dome-shaped curved lines, while those of the central part of the Iran used in the rectangular plan with flat and right-angled form and space. Performing archaeological excavations, as well as studying on the data obtained, will acquire new information from these works which will lead to a more comprehensive and comprehensive recognition of their various dimensions.The present research, in the absence of reliable and sufficient archaeological data in these works, was attempted by comparative analysis of the two regions to explain their architecture and spatial structure, in order to gain a better understanding of these valuable cultural memorials, as well as their correct conservation.

Pottery is considered as the most abundant and important industrial productions of human rather than meeting material needs, sometimes played the role a media. One of the issues often accepted about the human, specially in Asia, is to consider the natural events and phenomena and especially green space surrounding the human, because of poor nature which has created complex climatic conditions to his life. Therefore, the short green season and creatinggardens is changed into a desired mean and continuously a supreme place is considered. Asian human settlement tried to claim the importance of this mean in biologic structure in various forms. It become public on pottery, a good role creating architectural works, gave a good place to book arraning and become public role of carpet weavers and poetic works such as Boostan and Golestan was given; and finally it changed into the form of musical works such as “Chaharbagh”, “Bagh-e Ardeshir” and etc. one of the most important methods of Iranian garden arrangments is “Chaharbagh” various samples of which is identified. This theme is presented in applied arts and pottery objects in prehistoric and historical periods. Based on this necessity, the present research has tried to study this. Design in some of “Blue and White” post of Arg-e Bam is Safavid period which Chaharbagh type is an alternative in architecture design. The main question focuses on this subject that what relation is there between pot themes and garden arranging. The research method is analytical descriptive. Findings are collected by field and document method.the findings of this research show that apart from presenting Chaharbagh, the potter artist sometimes exhibit middle palace as nine part that is famous as “HashtBehesht” in architectural literature. This part of pot themes recalls us the samples of Isfahan “Hasht Behesht”, Behshahr “BaghCheshmeh”, Kashan “Bagh-e Fin”, “Chehelsotun” in Ghazvin and Arg-e Bam building in Arg- e Bam. In spite of main limitations such as exploiting only blue and whitecolors that is necessary in pottery technique, our findings are comparable to carpet designs in Chaharbagh and themes of some pictured books the pottery artist tried to offer a design of ChaharBagh and its parts. The presence of four gardens each of which is shown in a quarter of square and is integrated with flower or leaf of flower and water canals depicted by right lines present the level of pottery identification from Iranian garden arranging. The central role in some sample offers the pattern and design of construction in spite of other artistic themes that show gardens in three-dimension face. This nine-part pattern was presented in Iranian architecture establishing Apadana in Achaemenian. After it in Sassanid period and first centuries of Islamic period in the form of “Nohgonbad” (nine domes) of central palace in some Chaharbagh and some religious buildings were presented. In the late centuries of Islamic period and specially Safavid period, it continued its life with eight face design and the same nine part divisions. It seems that as using Chaharbagh role in some Safavid carpets became Chaharbagh carpet famous, we can present this kind of pot as Chaharbagh blue and white in identifying Islamic pots.