https://zar.lu.ac.ir/ Zagros Archaeological Researches en daily 1 Sun, 22 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0330 Sun, 22 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0330 https://zar.lu.ac.ir/article_729212.html The Central Zagros, due to its pioneering role in field research on the Neolithization process, played a fundamental part in shaping and presenting the initial theories concerning the origins of agriculture during the 1950s to 1970s. Among these theories, proposed by Kent Flannery, was the “Broad Spectrum Revolution,” which, in contrast to Robert Braidwood’s “Nuclear Zone” hypothesis, emphasized the significance of peripheral regions. Influenced by Lewis Binford and drawing upon archaeological evidence that he, together with Frank Hole, uncovered during the 1960s in the Khorramabad Valley and at Ali Kosh, Flannery argued that, due to population pressures in marginal areas such as the Deh Luran Plain, communities expanded their range of subsistence resources and consequently engaged in the domestication of plants and animals. Today, new evidence—not only from the Khorramabad Valley and Ali Kosh but also across the Central Zagros—provides grounds for reassessing and reinterpreting this theory. In recent years, the “Broad Spectrum Revolution” has continued to attract scholarly attention within archaeological discourse, influencing related models such as “Optimal Foraging Theory” and “Niche Construction.” https://zar.lu.ac.ir/article_722707.html AbstractThe so-called J ware of Mahidasht region, considered as a Halaf related ceramics in western Iran. The Mahidasht survey project conducted in 1975-78 identified more than 60 J ware archaeological sites. In addition to surface survey, the J ware have been stratified in 3 archaeological site excavations of Siahbid, Chogha Maran and Chogha Gavaneh as an Early Chalcolithic period pottery laying between Late Neolithic of Sarab and early Siahbid Black on Buff ware. Due to the political issues during the Mahidasht survey project in Iran, the Islamic revolution, the team could not complete their studies and such a project left unfinished. But after some 50 years later, it became possible to work on the Mahidasht project data again and such studies have been resumed. The main part of this resumed project is devoted to the studies of J ware. As a result of such studies many aspects of J ware have been investigate before. So, this paper is devoted to the topic of chronology of J ware. Detaille studies on the chronological characterizes of J ware and comparison studies of J ware with Halaf-Ubaid transitional period ceramics in northern Mesopotamia demonstrated that J ware dating back to the late 6th millennium B.C. this relative chronological suggestion overlapping with C14 dating (5216-4994B.C) of recently excavated site located in east of central Zagros named Tepe Posht-e Froudgah.  There is close relationship between some of the painted ceramics of Posht-e Forudgah and J ware. In conclusion, the J ware period in west of central Zagros in west of Iran contrary to the previous studies considered it as an early chalcolithic period, is a short transitional phase between late Neolithic and early chalcolithic period at the second half of 6th millennium B.C. equivalent to the Halaf-Ubaid transitional period in northern Mesopotamia.Keywords: J ware, Halaf, Tape Posht-e Foroudgah, chronology https://zar.lu.ac.ir/article_729216.html This article offers a comprehensive review of concepts, theories, and archaeological evidence concerning socio political complexity, tracing the intellectual shift from classical hierarchical and unilinear models toward recent approaches emphasizing multilinearity, heterarchy, and network theories. Early models by thinkers such as Spencer, Morgan, and Service framed complexity as a universal, linear progression toward centralized, bureaucratic states. More recent critiques have challenged the deterministic and stage bound nature of such models, proposing instead that complexity can also arise through lateral, polycentric arrangements that achieve high degrees of integration, legitimacy, and efficiency without rigid centralization. Drawing on key sources and critical analysis, the study argues that “complexity” is a fluid, multidimensional, and context dependent concept, shaped not only by vertical state structures but also by horizontal, multi nodal networks. The conclusion stresses the value of attending to multiple, non linear pathways in social organization and highlights interdisciplinary frameworks and network analysis methods for recognizing the dynamics of past societies.  https://zar.lu.ac.ir/article_730068.html Elephant handling and elephant training were specialized skills during the Sasanian period, apparently reserved exclusively for the ruling class. The extensive use of elephants brought about certain transformations in the religious and cultural practices of the Sasanian era. Their employment in military confrontations—particularly against the Sasanians’ western rival, the Roman Empire—compelled the Sasanians to reconsider their cultural and ideological perspectives toward this animal. Greek–Roman, Middle Persian, and early Islamic sources provide various accounts—based on direct observation or historical reports—regarding the use of elephants in both warfare and peacetime activities. Archaeological data also serve as valuable evidence for verifying and supplementing the information contained in textual sources. The purpose of this research is to analyze the functions of elephants—both individually and in groups—in military operations, royal hunts, and ceremonial contexts during the Sasanian period. This study aims to answer the following questions: How were the functions of elephants reflected in Roman/Byzantine and Islamic historical sources? What archaeological evidence supports their use in the army, royal hunts, and courtly ceremonies? And did the elephant retain its symbolic and functional association with the concept of kingship in the Islamic era as it had in the Sasanian period? Adopting a descriptive–historical analytical approach, this research evaluates textual and archaeological data comparatively. The findings suggest that archaeological evidence largely confirms historical accounts concerning the use of elephants in Sasanian military, recreational, and ceremonial contexts. Moreover, these practices continued without significant alteration during the Islamic period. The concept of kingship—closely linked to the royal and exclusive use of elephants—remained a significant ideological element, reinforcing the notion of elitism and royal privilege associated with this animal across both Sasanian and Islamic times. https://zar.lu.ac.ir/article_731808.html The Temple of Bacchus at Baalbek, Lebanon, as one of the most prominent preserved examples of Roman religious architecture in the Eastern Mediterranean, provides a unique opportunity to study these interactions. This research aims to analyze the architectural structure of the Adyton in the Temple of Bacchus and examine the influence of local and regional elements on the formation of its spatial form and decorative program. the main research questions are: First, what common and distinctive features does the architectural structure of the Adyton possess compared to the inner sanctuaries of Greek, Roman, and Levantine temples? Second, how have local traditions and regional cultural dynamics influenced the spatial structure and decorative program of the Temple of Bacchus's Adyton? the methodology of this research is interdisciplinary, drawing upon classical literary sources, archaeological evidence, and comparative architectural analysis. The findings demonstrate that the Adyton of the Temple of Bacchus, unlike Greek and Roman examples, was constructed as an elevated, roofed structure adorned with Dionysian reliefs and eastern symbols, functioning as a shrine and sanctuary. Comparative study with contemporary temples such as Niha, Qasr al-Banat, Palmyra, and Hauran places the Adyton of the Temple of Bacchus within the Lebanese-Heliopolitan subtype, highlighting features such as staircases, gabled roofs, temple-like facades, and spatial introversion. the research results indicate that the Adyton of the Temple of Bacchus, rather than reflecting Greco-Roman style, demonstrates the resilience and continuity of Middle Eastern local traditions and represents a manifestation of cultural syncretism in the eastern provinces of the Roman Empire, where indigenous elements, despite the apparent dominance of classical forms, preserved the essential core of architectural identity. https://zar.lu.ac.ir/article_729439.html With the transfer of the Sasanian capital from Fars to Ctesiphon, the western regions of Iran (the central Zagros area) received particular attention from the kings and nobles of this dynasty, due to their favorable climate and proximity to the new capital—an interest that continued into the early Islamic centuries. The reflection of this attention is clearly evident in the surviving archaeological evidence, including monumental buildings and distinguished architectural remains. One such monument is the complex known as Qal‘eh-Sam, situated atop the heights of Mount Sam in the Holeilan region of Ilam province. This complex consists of a large residential/ceremonial structure combined with defensive/fortification elements. As a result of illicit excavations at the entrance of its domed building, parts of its stucco decorations have been revealed. This article introduces these stuccoes, examines their technical characteristics, and undertakes a comparative analysis of their decorative motifs. Beyond their artistic and iconographic significance as newly discovered examples, these decorations may also contribute to a more precise dating of the Qal‘eh-Sam monument. Accordingly, this study, adopting a descriptive-comparative approach and drawing upon both field investigations and library-based research, focuses on the decorative and technical aspects of the stucco reliefs. These decorations were executed in two techniques: freehand modeling in situ and mold-made prefabrication. Their primary motifs consist of geometric and vegetal patterns. Comparative analysis indicates that while traces of Sasanian artistic traditions are visible, the overall compositional schemes, motifs, and execution techniques exhibit strong affinities with early Islamic stuccoes, particularly those of the Abbasid period. https://zar.lu.ac.ir/article_731809.html The Petroglyphs are one of the most prominent examples of human life art, and various examples can be seen in different regions of Iran and outside of Iran. In fact, these works are part of the cultural-historical identity of any land. Western Iran, including the intermountain valleys of the Alvand mountain range in Hamedan province, is considered a rich area in terms of Petroglyphs. Simin village is located 10 kilometers southeast of Hamedan city and is one of the valuable collections of studies in the field of rock art, which was addressed in this research with the aim of identifying, introducing and analyzing the rock paintings of this region. The questions that the present research has tried to answer are as follows; what is the typology of the petroglyphs of Simin village and what are the most common ones? In terms of appearance, the petroglyphs of Simin village are comparable to the petroglyphs of which region? What connection can be made between the nomads and nomads of the region and the petroglyphs? What date can be considered for the petroglyphs of this region in terms of time? The authors have used field research and citation studies to answer these questions. The results of the research show that the Simin petroglyphs have many similarities with other petroglyphs in western Iran, especially Hamedan province. In this region, as in other regions of Iran; the most frequent petroglyphs are the ibex. On the other hand, most of these petroglyphs are found in rural areas and are associated with places that have suitable water sources for nomads and nomads. It seems that there is a significant relationship between the nomadic population and the frequency of the presence of these petroglyphs. https://zar.lu.ac.ir/article_729437.html The Safavid period represents one of the most significant historical eras in Iran with regard to ceramic production. Throughout this era, a wide range of both unglazed and glazed pottery was manufactured and utilized in various production centers. Although numerous studies have been conducted on these ceramics, most have primarily focused on certain well-known types such as blue-and-white ware, Gombroon ware, Kubachi ware, and lustreware. As a result, many other types of ceramics from this period remain inadequately studied and poorly understood. This situation underscores the necessity of conducting an independent and comprehensive investigation into the ceramics of this era. Accordingly, the present study has been undertaken with the aim of establishing a typology and classification of pottery produced during the Safavid period. The central research question of this study is: What types of pottery were produced and used in Iran during the Safavid era? To address this, a descriptive-classificatory methodology has been employed, with data gathered through library-based research and the examination of collections housed in various museums both inside and outside Iran. The findings indicate that, in addition to the well-known types, a considerable variety of other glazed and unglazed wares were also produced during this period. Among these, stonepaste and, to some extent, earthenware vessels decorated with underglaze-painted designs exhibit the greatest diversity. https://zar.lu.ac.ir/article_731812.html Tombstones are among the valuable relics that not only contain significant information from the perspective of art and stone carving research; but also, are feedback of cultural, social conditions and ritual beliefs. The tombs of northern Fars are an important part of the untold history of this region. Considering the volume and number of existing tombstones, they are a very valuable source in the field of archaeological studies and local history for the cultural study of northern Fars. The present article aims to present a reinterpretation of the tombstones, symbols, shapes on them and tombstone designs based on written and archaeological evidence of the tombstones and a comparative study with cemeteries in northern Fars, and in order to answer these questions: 1. What characteristics did the tombstones of the late Islamic centuries of northern Fars have and what types of designs and texts did they depict? 2. How can these designs and inscriptions be interpreted in the cultural space of northern Fars and how do they display the cultural and religious characteristics of northern Fars? It is assumed that these tombstones represent the cultural and religious characteristics of their deceased and reveal signs of convergence in the northern Fars region. This research was conducted using a descriptive-analytical method. The findings and its statistical population are four cemeteries of the late Islamic period with tombstones with paintings and inscriptions, which are based on field surveys and documentary studies. The results of the study show that the structure of the tombstones has altar, cradle, coffin and simple frames with human, plant, animal, symbolic motifs, objects, tools and inscriptions that display the religious, cultural and artistic beliefs of the cemeteries of northern Fars. Examining the dates on the tombstones and comparing them with written sources shows that their time period is from the Safavid to Pahlavi periods. https://zar.lu.ac.ir/article_728911.html The rescue excavations at Bardeh Mar, located in the mountainous Hawraman region of western Iran, were conducted in response to the risk of submergence caused by the construction of the Daryan Dam. The site was identified during systematic archaeological surveys in Sarvabad County and was excavated in 2015 through two carefully planned trenches. The main aim of this research was to document the stratigraphic sequence, chronological framework, architectural features, ceramic assemblages, and subsistence economy of the site’s past inhabitants. This study addresses a significant gap in the archaeological understanding of seasonal or temporary settlements in the region. The principal research questions focused on whether Bardeh Mar functioned as a permanent village or a seasonal encampment, what the main occupation phases were, and how the local communities adapted their economic strategies to the mountainous landscape. Methodologically, the project combined excavation, stratigraphic analysis, ceramic typology, absolute dating methods (radiocarbon and thermoluminescence), and ethnoarchaeological comparisons with local pastoral practices. Findings revealed circular dry-stone structures, plain handmade brown pottery, and animal bone remains that indicate a pastoral economy reliant on herding goats, sheep, and cattle. The lack of glazed ceramics and complex architectural features supports the interpretation that Bardeh Mar served as a seasonal winter campsite (Hawār) for local herders, providing access to lower-altitude pastures during harsh winters. This research demonstrates how archaeological data, when integrated with ethnographic evidence, can illuminate traditional adaptive strategies in marginal mountain environments. The study contributes valuable insights into local settlement dynamics, seasonal mobility, and the cultural continuity of pastoral lifeways in Hawraman during the Middle and Late Islamic periods. Bardeh Mar stands as an important example of how small-scale, temporary sites play a vital role in reconstructing broader patterns of land use and rural economy in the highlands of western Iran.  https://zar.lu.ac.ir/article_729214.html The sacred privacy of the house is regarded as the core of family unity and its primary refuge. The principle of privacy (ḥurmah) constitutes one of the fundamental aspects of the Islamic worldview, deeply embedded in the social life of Muslims and counted among the most significant moral and cultural values. In the Qur’an and the traditions of the Infallible Imams, the observance of privacy and respect for the sanctity of domestic space have been emphasized as essential requirements. Within Islamic architecture, this principle has consistently attracted the attention of architects and has been observed in the construction of houses, the most intimate spaces of residents’ lives. This study investigates the architectural devices employed to ensure privacy in Qajar-period houses of the Pāyin Khiyābān neighborhood of Mashhad, correlating them with Qur’anic verses and the traditions of the Infallible Imams, and explores their impact on the formation of domestic spaces and the preservation of privacy within them. The research adopts a descriptive-analytical method based on library sources. By examining scriptural references related to residential architecture and identifying architectural elements that foster privacy in the Qajar houses of Pāyin Khiyābān, the manifestation of the principle of privacy is revealed in both visual and auditory dimensions through strategies such as spatial orientation, introversion, and hierarchical organization—all of which are consistent with Islamic teachings. https://zar.lu.ac.ir/article_730067.html Inscriptions—particularly those created during the Islamic period—constitute primary sources of significant artistic, cultural, political, and social value. Located on the southern slopes of the Alborz Mountains within the Tochal range, the village of Rudak hosts the shrine of Imamzadeh Mohammad-Baqer, whose wall bears a remarkable historical inscription. This study, conducted through a descriptive–analytical method based on both field observation and library research, aims to address three main questions: (1) to which historical period does the inscription belong? (2) what are its artistic and stylistic characteristics? and (3) who were involved in its construction and completion? Findings reveal that the inscription dates back to the Qajar era, specifically the reign of Fath-Ali Shah. Executed in Nasta‘liq script, the text conveys expressions of devotion and reverence toward Imamzadeh Mohammad-Baqer, in whose honor the inscription was installed. It also includes laudatory references to Fath-Ali Shah Qajar and mentions several individuals who contributed to its creation and completion. The technical features of the calligraphy are analyzed and compared with similar examples from the same period. Given that inscriptions often provide valuable insights into the historical context of architectural construction, the identity of builders and artists, and the sociocultural and political milieu of their time, the study of this particular example elucidates the artistic principles and aesthetic characteristics of Qajar epigraphy. Moreover, the chronogram indicating the date of execution has been identified and examined as part of the analysis.