نشریه جستارهای باستان شناسی ایران پیش از اسلام
سال ششم شماره 1 (پیاپی 11، بهار و تابستان 1400)

Transregional relations and interactions between societies have always been an important research topic in archaeology. Southeastern Anatolia and western Iran—the northern and eastern parts of the Fertile Crescent, respectively—had cultural interactions for millennia, with the Zagros–Taurus arc giving rise to shared cultural hubs in certain periods. Meanwhile, the study of Anatolia–Iran relations has so far been mostly influenced by Mesopotamian archaeology, with Mesopotamia always taking center stage. Undoubtedly, especially southern Mesopotamia played a central role in the fourth and third millennia BC, however, the situation was different in the Epipalaeolithic and Neolithic. Adopting a comparative approach, this article examines Anatolia’s transregional relations with western Iran during the Neolithic period, with a focus on Anatolia. It seems that the distribution of Anatolian obsidian generally played a key role in the coming into contact of Near Eastern societies. The discovery of obsidian with Anatolian origins in a great number of Near Eastern archaeological sites, especially those in Iran, suggests the existence of a vast distribution network involving different groups. Although the Iranian sites were inside a contact zone and the obsidian they received was much less than the sites within supply zones, it is certain that obsidian is a very important indicator of the relationships between Neolithic societies and it may have created a wide array of ties. A look at other elements of Neolithic life, such as funeral traditions, pottery, stone tools, and other small finds, reveals that each of the regions in question contributed to an aspect of the evolution of Near Eastern societies.

In the Neolithic Age, significant changes were happened, so that these developments seen in architecture, pottery, burial, economics, and trade of Neolithic sites. One of the most important developments of this period is sedentary, which is the main factor in the formation and development of the Neolithic Age Northwest of Iran, and Southeast Minor Asia is geographically close to each other. Both regions have the flourishing of Neolithic cultures, which is the importance of archaeology. The purpose of this study is analysis compare Neolithic architecture between Lake Urmia and Lake Van. This research used fieldwork and library methods. The Neolithic sites in the Northwest of Iran have done studied by fieldwork method. Finally, according to the information collected comparative - analytical comparison of the architecture of Lake Urmia and Lake Van in the Neolithic Age. Also, similarities and differences between the two areas have done described. The results show that due to the proximity of two areas geographically and the existence of obsidian ores around Lake Van and according to the many tools obtained from both regions, both regions had commercial-cultural relations with each other in the Neolithic Age. This connection probably significantly impacted the similarity of the architecture discovered in both areas. The evidence shows that most similar architecture between the Haji Firuz and Yank Tepe in the Lake Urmia and with Cayonu Tepe, Hacilar Tepe, and Catalhuyuk in the Lake Van, and another important issue is discovering a Neolithic temple in Haji Firuz site with a wall painting.

Ochre is a common and very valuable pigment and has been used for many thousands of years by many ancient cultures on all continents. Ochre is a term used by Archaeologists to describe the earth's pigments, usually red. In the present study, based on the evidence found, we try to examine the evidence left over the use of Ochre and the uses, reasons (practical or symbolic aspect) of the use of this Let's look at pigments from the Paleolithic period to the contemporary period. Therefore, the present study seeks to answer questions about the period of time and in which areas the use of ochre has been used? What was the use of Ochre among the people in prehistoric times? From the perspective of an Archaeological-Anthropological approach, what are the properties of Ochre pigments that have been exploited by humans in the long-term?. The research method in this descriptive-analytical study is based on the Archaeological-Anthropological approach. In the present study, we first examined the evidence for the use of Ochre among prehistoric societies in the Ancient Near East and then Ethnographic and Anthropological studies conducted among different communities that use Ochre, so We can explain the reasons for the use of the recent pigment by prehistoric societies. The results of the present study show that, in fact, for a wide range of purposes, including artistic, ceremonial and medicinal purposes, such as painting objects, painting the body, or as a food preservative and wood preservative, repelling insects, skin tanning and used for rituals and burials.

 there are several rock motifs have been found in different parts of Iran, each of which has many hidden secrets.The petroglyphs  are important in terms of archeological, historical, art and anthropological studies and their study and analysis can be beneficial in recognizing the culture of past societies. Sistan and Baluchestan province Is one of the rich regions, where the existence of rock motifs collections such as the rock motifs of Qasr Ghand, Gwargatan , Bandik , Mil color paintings in khash, shows the ancient cultural and historical background of this region. This research is based on library and field studies, and a descriptive-analytical approach has been used to introduce, study, and determine the date of the petroglyphs of Gwargatan(Nikshahr). Then the petroglyphs of Gwargatan are compared with those of Bandik valley in Gosht to achieve the following goals: 1. Typology, classification and relative dating of Gwargatan petroglyphs . 2. Comparison of Gwargatan and Bandik petroglyphs and the identification of their common features.Studies show that Gwargatan petroglyphs include various anthropomorphic, zoomorphic, plant, geometric and symbolic figures. These figures are comparable to the Bandik ones in terms of the type of motifs and iconography and the technique of creating motifs and thematic scenes. In addition to formal and role-sharing with Benedict, in terms of the type of subjects depicted, such as scenes from everyday life, hunting scenes, nature scenes, as well as in terms of the technique of creating their drawings, which in both areas are mostly Of carved work; It is the same and comparable to each other. These common features indicate that both works belong to people with the same cultures, suggesting that at least some of the designs in both collections were created in a common time frame.

Sistan plain is the center of the formation of significant and important areasin the late fourth millennium and early third millennium BC that have played a Fundamental role in Formation of human communities.  Archaeological surveys and excavations in Sistan region have been conducted with the aim of studying the archaeological position of this region and political, social and cultural developments in the Bronze Age. One of the most important ancient areas in the southern parts of the Sistan plain is the Hozdar region with an area of about 40 square kilometers. The first season of the project to survey and determine the area and propose the boundaries of Hozdar area under the supervision of Mohammad Keikha was done in 2019 and the area was surveyed systematically. During this Survey, 12 sites from the Bronze Age were identified and recorded, one of its important results is to study the developments that occurred in the Bronze Age and determine the position of the region in the chronological table of southeastern Iran. The main question raised in this research is: Based on cultural materials collected from the Bronze Age sites of Hozdar region, how is the relative chronology and cultural relations of this region with neighboring areas evaluated? According to studies conducted in Hozdar region, this region has a cultural continuity in the Bronze Age (simultaneously with the first period of Shahr-e Sokhteh to the fourth period of Shahr-e Sokhteh). During this period, due to the strategic position of the region, which is located along communication highways and also according to archaeological data, we see extensive cultural connections of Hozdar region settlements with neighboring regions, including North Sistan, Baluchistan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, the Indus Valley and the civilizations of the Halil River Basin. The present Research, based on field studies and relying on descriptive-analytical method, to determine the relative chronology of the region and cultural relations of the mentioned area, studied cultural material

Girdi Ashoan hill is located on the eastern edge of Piranshahr plain, and on the eastern side of Lavin river. Archaeological excavations of Girdi Ashoan hill led to the identification of cultural materials of the Iron Age II-III. Northwestern Iran has been very important due to its special strategic position and has had a great cultural impact from the Caucasus, Anatolia and Mesopotamia since the fifth millennium BC. In later periods, especially in the Iron Age, the region was strongly influenced by political issues. Recent studies in new archaeological sites expand our knowledge of Iron Age II/ III. As a result of archeological excavations in this hill, three cultural periods were identified. Phase I- Islamic Cemetery. Phase II - Iron Age III, Phase III, - Chalcolithic period. According to the preliminary results of the Iron Age III, it is considered as one of the important cultural periods of  Girdi Ashoan.  Therefore, in this article, the results of the study of cultural materials of the Iron Age III are presented. This article tries to answer the question of how the cultural relations of the area with the neighboring areas have been by descriptive / analytical method and by studying the cultural materials of Girdi Ashoan. The results of studies and relative chronology of pottery showed that the most interactions and cultural influences were with areas of Anatolia, Bukan, zandane  Suleiman and parts of Kurdistan.The present study is based on archaeological excavations and then chronology of cultural materials. During this excavation, it was found that the cultural basin of Mana government is known in the southern region of Lake Urmia (small Zab basin of Piranshahr).

Studying various aspects of the Iron Age culture of Eastern Iran and Khorasan based on comparative studies is one of the most important challenges of the Iron Age. In the current situation, the components and features of the Northeast Iron Age, focusing on Khorasan, due to lack of studies, have remained largely unknown and ambiguous, and the need for purposeful studies is strongly felt. Now, based on few studies and excavations in Khorasan, little evidence of Iron Age cultures has been identified and measured in a comparative approach with the important cultures of Central Asia (Yaz and Dahistan). Accordingly, in the Gonabad plain, which is located almost in the south of Khorasan and is limited to the Ghohestan cultural area, the Hesare Omrani site can provide basic information about the Iron Age of Khorasan. The Hesare Omrani, which is located close to the current city of Gonabad, has a main ridge that can be seen with a diameter of more than 800 meters, the distribution of cultural materials around it. Due to the vastness of the area in this study, by adopting a methodical surface study, cultural materials, which are mainly pottery, have been collected and interpreted in the form of Early to Late Iron Age cultures. The results of studies show that the clay traditions of the Hesare Omrani have a significant affinity with Yaz culture and its pottery species can be analyzed in the framework of Yaz culture I to III. This site has hand-painted pottery of the early Iron Age and simple forms of wheel-making pottery of the Middle and Late Iron Ages. In addition, the settlement landscape alongside the current status of the remaining deposits in the context of Central Asian experiences shows human communities with a settlement and social pattern similar to its Iron Age.

Pottery is one of the main documents that is widely used in the analysis of archaeological findings. According to the analyzes made on pottery, it is possible to get chronology in ancient sites, how social organizations evolved in past societies, compare decorative styles, and also understand the cultural and commercial relations of ancient societies. The Pehreh region is located in the interior of Balochistan, which Greek geographers refer to as Gedrozia. Archaeological excavations of this area have identified a large number of ancient sites. In this research, the main purpose is to analyze the pottery characteristics of the historical period and to understand how the cultural interactions of this region. This article tries to answer the question: what were the characteristics of the Parthian pottery index of inner Balochistan and what were the cultural interactions of the seminary with the neighboring regions and outside the political borders of Iran in the historical period? The present study is based on field and library studies and tries to explain the pottery findings in the field of Pehreh with a descriptive-analytical approach. Statistical analysis of pottery and comparison of index samples of the center of Baluchistan of Iran with neighboring regions showed that the internal parts of the area of communication within the region and beyond the area with areas located in southeastern Iran such as Guri Hill, Sam Castle, Yahya Hill, Sarasiab and areas located in Afghanistan has Nad Ali, Shamshir Ghar and areas in Pakistan including Charsada.Keywords:Gedrosia, Pahreh, Interaction, Pottery

Death has been one of the most important but ambiguous aspects of human life throughout history. Although we have little knowledge of this familiarity, we can be sure that early humans had a ritualistic view of their dead. A view that is still valid.Looking at the burial methods in the Achaemenid period, we can see the traces of two elements of fear and respect among the people of this era. From the different structures and shapes of the Achaemenid tombs, it can also be concluded that they are a special look at death and ammunition. Have had it.Given the diversity of religious thought, religion can be considered a decisive element in this period. Signs of this influence can be seen in the variety of burials in this period, which have taken place in various forms. , Also mentioned social situations, and political connections and affiliations.In the Achaemenid period, five methods of burial of tombs, burial of tombs, burial of coffins, burial of masters, a simple pit can be seen, which is hidden behind each of these methods of burial of new thought. Like Tatarli in Asia Minor and Haji Nabi in Syria, another part of this article deals with the common traditions of this empire in these two areas.The present study, according to the existing definitions, is among the types of basic research and qualitative research, and its purpose is to search to discover the facts or to reach the limits of correct knowledge of the phenomenon. Examination of museum works and documents has been used.

One of the most controversial issues in the historical period of Iran is the Parthian rule, which due to the lack of evidence and content with the works of Greek and Roman historians, most scholars of the period of decentralization and sectarian monarchy and or express feudalism. As a result, in this comparative-analytical study, the characteristics of government systems are examined and their compatibility with the archaeological evidence left over from the Parthian period is discussed. Based on this, we first deal with the definitions and characteristics of a simple centralized and decentralized system that have not been studied in any research so far, then examine the characteristics of the tribal, feudal and also federal monarchy systems; Then, by comparative study of the above definitions with the evidence left from this period, we will make a thorough analysis of the nature of Parthian governance. Based on this, it can be said that the existence of large dynasties and its influence on the rule of kings was not limited to the Parthian period and the use of the king's name for semi-independent regions based on the perception and type of government of Roman or Greek historians. Also, by examining the feudal system and conforming to the economic system of the mentioned period, the Parthian system of government had a legislative system and according to the power of the king, the central legislative system acted either in a very centralized or simply decentralized manner. the central legislative system acted either in a very centralized or simply decentralized manner.

Deyhuk district of Tabas city in South Khorasan province is one of the regions that has high capabilities due to the large number of smelting sites and accumulated slag from perspective of ancient mining and metallurgy studies and is unknown in comparison with other regions of Iran. During archaeological studies, by writers and experts’ South Khorasan Cultural Heritage Office in Deyhuk district of Tabas city have discovered a copper mine and seven metal smelting sites, which shows the role and importance of ancient mining and metallurgy in the social and economic life of Deyhuk cultural area. This research tries based on the results of archaeological field methodological study, texts and written sources in Deyhuk district to identify the evidence related to metallurgy industry, smelting technology and type of extracted ore deposit to better understand the process and cycle of metallurgy including three stages of mining, extraction and provide melting of metals. With the studies done, typology and comparative comparison of the discovered slag with the known metal centers, it seems that the composition of the slag includes the main elements of iron, lead and copper, Archaeological field studies performed in mines and metal smelting sites identified show that metallurgists in this area used open and underground methods to extract minerals and after transferring mineral parts to workshops and smelting furnaces, they used roasting method for melting metals. Cultural materials (pottery) obtained from around the only furnace identified show that the relative dating of this mine is based on pottery finds from the Islamic Middle Ages.

The physical environment consists of the arrangement of mass and space, how the arrangement of mass and space performs an important part of morphological studies. The body and physical form of the city includes structures shaping public spaces and masses consisting of private space, in which the possibility of the occurrence of various social and economic functions and activities have been provided. Space is a manifestation of the pattern of establishment. The arrangement of spatial elements and how they relate within the framework of communication axes in a certain geographical area or area in relation to each other, forms the spatial structure or environmental system of a city. Understanding the interaction between humans and the environment has been one of the challenges of archaeological studies in recent years. For this purpose, it is necessary to study many spaces and areas with the landscape archeology approach. In the meantime, the use of remote sensing techniques has been significantly effective in landscaping archeological studies. This article tries to focus on geographical factors and landscaping attractions, including commercial and agricultural potentials, which increase the population in an area and the reasons that cause population distribution, and vice versa, the effects that population has on the landscape, as well as Emphasis on sites in western Iran and eastern Iraq during the Sassanid period to answer why the pattern of distribution of architectural spaces by a case study of three Parthian-Sassanid sites with similar distribution and spatial structure in western Iran (Qasr Shirin and western Gilan) and eastern Iraq (Clare) And how to create such a particular pattern with governmental, religious, and military uses and replicate it in the region.