نشریه جستارهای باستان شناسی ایران پیش از اسلام
سال هفتم شماره 1 (پیاپی 13، بهار و تابستان 1401)

One of the important features of the southern part of Baluchistan, Iran, is that this part is pristine and more unknown from the point of view of archaeological studies. This environmental diversity has led to the behavioral diversity of human societies in the past and present in this region. Dambigan site is one of these ancient sites that is located on the banks of the Kajo River in Makran. The present research has been done by descriptive-analytical method and the main part of this research includes field activities, intensive and systematic survey. In this city and archeological site, before this research, little archaeological studies have been done. In the southeast of Iran, human habitation and livelihood have continued from prehistory to the present day. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the settlement status of the area and to present a relative chronology based on surface findings. In a survey study, it was found that the area consists of two hills close to each other. The cemetery dates back to prehistoric times (third millennium BC). Based on the surface findings, it can be acknowledged that this area was first inhabited in the third millennium BC and the scattering of various pottery species on the hill surface indicates the continuation of life in historical periods. On the other hand, statistical analysis and comparison of pottery in Dambigan area in Makran, Iran with discovered samples from contemporary sites in Bampur, Helmand and Kerman basins, Kech and Rud Dasht basins in Makran, Pakistan showed that this site has extensive connections.

South-eastern Iran has been one of the important regions in cultural interactions with the Indus Valley, Mesopotamia, the Iranian Plateau and the coastal strip of southern Iran. Sefidkuh in Bent sector, Nikshahr County is a settlement place of communities with semi-settled settlement patterns along rivers or intermountain plains. The settlements follow the circular, oval and in a limited way rectangular architectural pattern. The livelihood strategy of these communities is very broad and it seems that this strategy follows unique cultural and economic patterns and political and social relations similar to prehistoric times. The present research is trying to better understand the human societies of Bent by examining, introducing and comparing the dynamic findings of ethnology with the static findings of archaeology. This research was conducted with a combination of field methods in three stages: In the first and second stages, the survey and identification of the ancient sites and the current living communities of the region were done and finally in the last stage, in order to identify differences and similarities with each other, a comparative comparison of the findings of both studies was done. Based on the obtained results, it should be acknowledged that the current architectural model of the region has its roots in the culture and traditions of the Baloch people, which have existed in a circular form for a long time. A pattern created by settling in flat areas between mountains or river terraces has been formed in the form of oval, circular, cluster, irregular, linear and similar plans with the past societies and based on the way of living of a wide economic spectrum. By examining the comparative results, it can be acknowledged that the common way in the region is completely consistent with the way of life of primitive sedentary societies in every aspect.

Due to irrigating the Mashhad plain, Kashafrud River has created a fertile bed and suitable ecosystem during the past, which has been the basis for the absorption and formation of prehistoric settlements in Khorasan. Also due to little and limited of archaeological excavations in Khorasan, our knowledge of the prehistoric cultures of this region is not the same in all parts. Understanding the cultural Characteristic and introducing the Bronze Age settlements as a statistical community for future supplementary researches, is one of the aim and necessities of archaeological studies in the region. At this research the most important questions are understanding the cultural aspects, especially pottery traditions, evaluating the internal and external communications with the perspective of this period in Kashafrud zone. The basis of the this research is the introduction of settlement centers, understanding of pottery traditions and denotation the cultural rather than geographical landscape of the Kashafrud Basin (Mashhad plain) in the Bronze Age in a comparative approach. The results indicate the heterogeneous pottery characteristics in the Early Bronze Age with the surrounding areas as well as similar species in the Middle Bronze Age with neighboring areas. Also, the study of settlement centers indicates that in the early and middle bronze age, sites has gradual growth and continuity of settlement in addition to the increasing population. In addition, unlike other regions of Northeast Iran and Turkmenistan, Middle Bronze Age settlements (simultaneously with the Namazga V) not been abandoned or diminished in the region, but settlements in the Mashhad plain have continued in the Late Bronze Age. The potteries also homogeneous with neighboring areas and in most cases has local property that can be dated only by construction techniques.

South-west Asia, in the second half of the fourth millennia B.C, was going through social transformations, which in turn led to the emergence of writing. During this transformation, the pseudo-Elamite script in the south of Mesopotamia and proto-Elamite in the Iranian plateau progressed rapidly, to such an extent that the Proto-Elamite script was soon spread across the Iranian plateau. These writing systems were adopted mainly for administrative and accounting purposes, and despite their differences, there are still significant similarities between the two; similarities such as adding systems, the same numerical signs, and some shared ideograms. Given the fact that the pseudo-Elamite script into the Acadian script, it is now evident for the researchers to detect the texts, however despite discovering the proto-Elamite tablets in exploring the Susa classics a century ago, it is still not entirely deciphered to this day. In this study, it is attempted to present a description and analysis of Susa husbandry texts, particularly M346, using the descriptive-analytical method and gathering the information through documentary and library methods. A significant section of the proto-Elamite texts is related to the livestock and the livestock calculations, which is one of the most recurring livestock signs in M346. This sign, according to the researchers, is taken to be a sign for goats to this day, which is written as UDU in the pseudo-Cuneiform script, however, some texts from the Iranian national museum refer to this sign as goats, and in some cases as livestock or a set of livestock animals, pointing out the double-function of sign in Elamite script depending on the context.

The Proto-Elamite period was formed between 3300 and 3000 BC in the second half of the fourth millennium BC., which can be considered as a revolution in political life and human life. Susa in southwestern Iran is one of the most prominent examples, showing all the important indicators of Proto Elamite period. The study and analysis of livelihood, society and social classes of Proto Elamite people living in Susa is one of the most important objectives of this article and why the society of Susa at the same time with the formation of urban communities and the emergence of the writing on the plateau of Iran and Khuzestan with a decrease in settlements. The existence of special data indicates a special administrative system and management technique, a change in the type of life as a class, and the emergence of social and political distinctions. The only special type of architecture indicates the bureaucracy in the kings of Proto Elamite period in Susa. In the present study, the authors try to review and finally analyze the political and livelihood of this particular area by using a descriptive-analytical method and collecting information by documentary method from the excavations of Susa areaa clear indication of the type of livelihood and life of the people of Susa at Proto Elamite period In some of the tablets obtained, the textual contents of the wages paid by more than a thousand workers for doing something are recorded, and on the written texts of counting, there are herds with a very large number of livestock, which shows a large community. It is class or perhaps governmental and represents a society with urban complexitiesKeywords: Archeology of Susa, Proto Elamite, livelihood, Findings and datas of Susa

Understanding the elements and motifs is very essential in archaeology. The motifs on the coins play an important role in the knowledge of ancient religion, sects, and myth and illuminate the history of many religious events. Coins have a significant impact on the knowledge of art and, studying can help, how art progresses and degenerates in different eras and ethnicities. The study of coins is of great importance in archaeology, especially in historical times. Because by using the motif elements of coins, can be achieved of government, ideology and economic system in the past societies. The primary purpose of this study, to identify the symbolic motifs of 405 Parthian Bronze coins in the Kolbadi museum of Sari, which these coins discovered in 2011 in Babol. The main point is the unique motifs of these coins, mainly geometric and symbolic motifs, discovered in several Parthian coins. most motifs on Parthian coins have been symbolic and human motifs and, religion had a significant impact in creating symbolic motifs of these coins. This research has been using analytical – experimental and using expert and observation of these coins in the Sari museum. The result shows that the prominent motifs of these coins are symbolic especially, the moon, star, anchor, royal ring and, wheat, which these motifs related to the religion of the Parthian period. The symbolic crescent moon is one of the elements of light and fire, which these motifs related to the religion of the royal ring are one of the sun symbols.

Using titles and epithets on the coins of the ancient era, along with other imprints, was considered an essential tool for conveying the king's message to the territory under his rule. The order of using these titles and epithets, their meaning, their change and development in different types of coins of a king also includes subtle points that are worthy of being noticed and evaluated in connection with the historical events of that time. Parthian kings used epithets and titles that express their social, political and historical position. The magnificent examples of these coins in terms of design and writing were minted during the reign of the Parthian Mehrdad II. With his accession to the throne in 123 BC, the rise of the power of the Parthian dynasty began and was followed by the expansion of their governmental territory. Examining the coins of the Parthian Mehrdad II shows that with the passage of time and his aging and as a result of historical events, his titles and epithets underwent transformation. These changes can be traced on the basis of the types of coins attributed to him and with a specific order and process. Based on library sources and employing a descriptive-analytical method, the present research addresses the investigation of these titles and epithets and why and how they changed. Finally, it resolves the question that there is a connection between the selection of these titles and epithets and some historical events of that time, through the sequence and order of which, it is possible to suggest dates for the minting of these coins.

Qumis is one of the most important areas in eastern Iran and along the Great Khorasan Road. Important sites have been surveyed, discovered and excavated in this area. In the meantime, many years have passed since archaeological excavations in the Tepe Hissar- Damghan. One of the buildings discovered in the Tepe Hissar is a building with a columned “Iwan” and a room with dome that are attributed to the Sasanian Period. Although there is no doubt about the history of building according to the Sasanian period, but according to some researchers, the building is a fire temple and according to the excavator and some others it is a palace. Considering that the characteristics of the palace and fire temple in the Sasanian period have been determined to a large extend by the studies that have been done, in this study we compare the known architectural elements and study historical texts and also refer to other researchers to answer questions, such as: What is the function of the building excavated on the Tepe Hessar? Palaces have a courtyard, Iwan and a room with dome in the public sector, and courtyards and rooms in the private sector; but in the fire temple all the architectural elements lead to the sacred place of the fire. For these reasons, and citing historical texts as well as the plan of building, it seems that we are dealing with a fire temple from the Sasanian period., although it shows similarities with plan of palaces of the late Sasanian period and early Islamic era.

In most of the archaeological studies of Iran, the ancient buildings have been mostly studied from an architectural structures and functional points of view, but less attention has been paid to them from an engineering perspective. Historical buildings are not exempted from approach. One of the most important aspects in connection with the investigation of an ancient building is the structural analysis of that work. Conducting structural analysis in connection with computer simulation and finally structural analysis of the building in question is very important. One of the important aspects of structural analysis is the recognition and investigation of materials used in buildings. In this regard, due to the importance of Takht-e Soleymān world heritage site due to the existence of Azargoshnasb fire temple and the complex of interconnected buildings, the time period, the availability and the remaining of a significant part of the buildings and materials of this complex, we have investigated this site. This research is based on 1. library studies, 2. Field investigations, 3. laboratory studies in a descriptive-analytical way. Laboratory studies include compressive strength tests and water absorption tests, which were carried out on four brick samples of Takht-e Soleymān site. In the subject of structural studies, the compressive strength test and water absorption test are among the most important criteria for evaluating the quality and determining the strength and stability of bricks. The results of compressive strength and water absorption tests and comparing it with similar tests in countries such as Italy and Greece indicate the relatively high quality of the bricks used by the architects of this ancient site.

The Sassanid Shapur I (242-270 AD) was able to defeat three Roman emperors in several battles with the Roman Empire. Considering that political-religious propaganda is one of the requirements of the remnants of the Sassanid era, Shapur I decided to create his victories by creating embossed designs and even minting binary coins. Immortalize. In the meantime, a new title to the titles of Shapur I, that is, the title of "king of kings of Iran and an-Iran" appears in the inscriptions, especially the inscription of the Cube of Zoroaster; Although this title has been engraved on two unique silver coins, but it raises the question for this research and that: 1- Creating the title of " king of kings of Iran and an-Iran" in the period of the Sassanid Shapur I and creating a propaganda atmosphere around it How was it? 2- Despite the use of political-religious propaganda in embossed designs and inscriptions, why the title of " king of kings of Iran and an-Iran" has not been used on all official and common coins? This article intends to examine the main reasons for not using the title of Shah of Iran and Iran on coins by examining historical texts and numismatic evidences. The results of this study showed that in addition to the victories of Azineh on the Western Front, which were suggested by some researchers, silver coins were probably only for domestic use, and gold coins were not common coins that could be used by the public. Therefore, only a limited number, which today are limited to only two coins, two commemorative dinars and a single silver dirham, have been multiplied from eastern Turkey for propaganda purposes.

According to historical documents, Ardašīr-Xwarrah or Firoozabad is one of the first cities to be built by Ardeshir I, the founder of the Sassanid dynasty, based on accurate geometric and perfectly circular calculations. This research seeks to answer the question of where was the origin of Sasan and what ideas caused Ardeshir to circle the city of Ardašīr-Xwarrah and what were the significant effects and organ function of this city and on what concepts were they located? The research method is descriptive-analytical. Historical documents show that Sasan was probably a descendant of the Achaemenids; After several generations of living in the eastern regions of Iran (probably India or Arachozia), he returns to the land of his ancestors (Persia). On the other hand, available sources report that Babak was also aware of astronomy and astrology and was known for this knowledge. The acquaintance of these two important personalities in the family of the founder of the Sassanid dynasty, has caused the city of Ardašīr-Xwarrah to be built with the concept of the city of Shah-God and a symbol of Avestaian cosmology, based on Vedic knowledge and Vastu Purusha Mandala. In other words, Ardašīr-Xwarrah is a Vedic-Avestaian model and its located landmark works indicate the ancient Avestaian concepts and ideas that have been discussed in this article.concept of the city of Shah-God and a symbol of Avestaian cosmology, based on Vedic knowledge and Vastu Purusha Mandala. In other words, Ardašīr-Xwarrah is a Vedic-Avestaian model and its located landmark works indicate the ancient Avestaian concepts and ideas that have been discussed in this article.

Sirjan plain in southeastern Iran has a good communication position. There are many settlements from different eras in this plain, including Shah Firooz Tepe. Different opinions have been expressed about the chronology of the building called Shah Firooz, located on top of this tepe. During the archeological study carried out in the above site in 2018, several pottery pieces were sampled and studied.The purpose of this study is to chronology and typology of pottery obtained from the Shah Firooz site and seeks to answer these questions:Pottery findings in this site include which types of pottery?What period does pottery belong to in terms of chronology?According to the comparison of pottery findings, what are regional and transregional interactions with other neighboring and remote sites?This is a field and library research with a descriptive-analytical and comparative approach. The results of the studies showed that the pottery findings of this site included unglazed and glazed pottery, which are divided into normal, grooved, patterned unglazed, monochrom glazed (plain and painted), and multicolored glazed (Sgraffito , blue and white, Splashed Glazed, and Slip Painted). According to the comparisons, these findings can be dated to the Sassanid era, the early Islamic and Safavid centuries. The homogeneity of potteries with the sites of the ancient city of Jiroft, Ghubayra, Rayen, Narmashir, and Sirjan plain, in addition to the using regional pottery patterns and traditions, indicates the trans-regional interactions of this site with the culture of the west, southwest, northeast of Iran, and the edge of the Persian Gulf.