جستجوی مقالات مرتبط با کلیدواژه « Archaeological Survey » در نشریات گروه « تاریخ »

One of the most important commercial ports of Iran in the Islamic period was the old Hormoz (Hormuoz). This port was part of Jiroft area in the early to middle centuries AH. In the fifth century AH and after the decline of the commercial prosperity of Siraf port, Hromouz was one of the most important and active maritime trade centers of Iran in the northern margin of the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman; And was associated with most of the important economic, commercial, and industrial centers of the ancient World. At the end of the seventh century AH, following the local conflicts and insecurity in the region, the establishment of Hormoz was transferred from the coast to an island in front of it called “Joron”. According to historical texts, after this relocation, the coastal port was called “Old Hormoz” and the island was called “New Hormoz”. The most important period of prosperity was the establishment of old Hormoz from the fifth century to the end of the seventh century AH. The aim of the present study is to identify and locate “old Hormoz” based on archaeological evidence and historical sources, and the research is on the question of where the port of old Hormoz was based on archaeological data and historical sources? For this purpose, basic information has been collected in two ways: field and documentary. Based on historical texts, the location of old Hormoz in the city of Minab can be traced. While there is no ancient city or site called old Hormoz on the coast of this city. Written sources, on the other hand, do not have an organized structure in old Hormoz, and the location of the port and the residence of the merchants are not located in the same place and are far apart. Based on this, it seems that among the 36 sites of the Islamic period that have been identified in the studies of the archaeological city of Minab, the site of “Chakha” next to the estuary (gulf) of Chakha has been the remains of the old port of Hormoz.

The investigation and study of the plains and valleys between the mountains of South Zagros in Iran from a geographical and cultural point of view leads to a deeper understanding of how the archaeological cultures of those regions were formed and expanded; The southern parts of Zagros have their own geographical and cultural areas, while the northern regions include Abadeh, Eghlid, and Semirom; The Ghabr-e Keykha river basins and Semirom region are significant for the study of cultural interactions and areas of expansion of the archaeological cultures of Fars province because of their location at the intersection of the archaeological cultures of South Zagros. Therefore, we started the studies to investigate the prehistoric settlements and demographic fluctuations of the Ghabr-e Keykha river basin and to identify the oldest habitation in the central part of Semirom. The current research was based on a season of the archaeological survey with a habitat analysis approach in the central part of Semirom city (Figure: 1); After preparing the required maps, we surveyed the target area, and random sampling was done. Due to the low environmental capabilities, the sites were not in the dimensions and size of settlements in the central parts of Fars. It has been considered from sources of water and quality soil and living in the closest distance to rivers and reliable sources of water; It is interesting to note that, unlike in the central parts of Fars, there is no evidence of a sharp decrease in the number of enclosures and a change in the lifestyle from a sedentary farmer to a nomadism, and we are witnessing the size of Sites and the increase in population during the Banesh period.

The beginning of field research in the Deh Luran Plain dates back to the early twentieth century. During this period, researches have been mainly focused on the northwestern part of the plain rather than its southeastern part (Patak Plain). However, the southeastern part of the plain, under the supervision of the author by project of identification and study of the sites in the area of drainage network 23 of the national tropical plan, was intensively surveyed at the end of year of 2015. The primary and general purpose of this program was identifying and documentating the sites, which was achieved. The next goal, namely determining the chronological position and understanding how the settlements were located and recognizing their cultural interactions, compared to their neighboring area, was also achieved by using the discovered cultural materials. In total, out of the 56 identified sites in this archaeological survey, 22 sites had surface evidence of the Uruk Period until the end of the Neo- Elamite Period, at first glance, this number represents a fourfold increase in the number of the settlements by comparing it to the results of previous studies. In the next step, with the registration of the Uruk Sites, it was found that, the population that was living in the plain compared to the previous period, namely the Later Village Period has increased significantly. Then, the population decreased sharply in the Jemdet Nasr Period and we can see an increase in the settlements again in the Dynasty Period, but this increase ended in the Old Elamite Period and decreased in the Middle and Neo- Elamite Periods, this decrease was probably as a result of the effects of trans-regional power centers and climate change.

Tol-e-Zahak site, as the ancient city of Fasa in the historical and Islamic period, is located about 2 km south of the modern city of Fasa in the eastern center of Fars province and was registered as the 15th national monument in 1310 AD. After conducting a archaeological systematic survey of this site in 1397, in addition to identifying the extent of the site (based on the dispersion of surface data) which reaches more than 500 hectares; Chronology and settlement periods of the site, which indicate its habitation from the late fourth millennium BC to the Islamic Middle Ages; It was found. By studying the data obtained from the survey, especially pottery samples, one of the important settlement periods of Tol-e- Zahak area is the settlement related to the Sassanid period. Scattering of cultural materials related to this period (especially pottery) was observed almost all over the site. In this article, the authors intend to examine the historical sources and previous archaeological research in the region in connection with the Sassanid period in the region, the results with the data related to the Sassanid settlement identified from the methodical study of Tol-e- Zahak site, Intertwined (Historical Approach) and to reconstruct the appearance of Fasa city in the Sassanid period as much as possible. Studies show that the Sassanid settlement of Tol-e- Zahak site is undoubtedly a large urban settlement of the type of cities with an irregular shape of the Sassanid period. Due to its strategic location and suitable environmental conditions for agricultural and livestock activities, this city as one of the important commercial and commercial cities throughout the Sassanid rule and even a few centuries after the advent of Islam in Darabgerd province in the east of Persia Has played a role.

Archaeological studies in the region of Qara Dagh (or Arasbaran) are of particular importance due to the fact that this region is located in the area between East-West (Iranian) Azerbaijan and Iran-Anatolian Plateau, as well as north to south of Caucasus-Iran. Archaeological activities in Qara Dagh are often aimed at conducting systematic research to explain the socio-political situations, investigate the cultural-technological currents and changes, explore the connecting and commercial routes of Northern region of Azerbaijan during the Bronze and Iron ages, outline the long-term scientific landscape, and also to understand the archaeological status of the region, relying on field and laboratory methods. The first season of this project, in 2017, dealt with identification of the Bronze and Iron Age sites of Varzeqan city. During the present survey, have been recorded 143 sites from the early Bronze Age to the Iron Age III in the region; and from the most important results of this survey, the changes recorded during the transitions from each period to the next period in relation to demographic changes, settlement patterns and location selecting, evaluating the landscape and natural resources in order to be aware of food networks and economic systems, studying the ecology of the region, livelihood approaches and burial methods can be mentioned. According to this evidence, settlements have been very limited in the region during the early Bronze Age. With the collapse of semi-farmer communities in the early Bronze Age, nomadic life was limitedly formed in the middle of the Bronze Age. In the late of Middle Bronze Age, once again, with the formation of sedentary communities, an increase in the population of the region and the emergence of social complexities are seen during the late Bronze Age to the Iron Age II, followed by the establishment of a primitive class society which was formed under the administration of local small rulers

Qalʻeh Geli Kaj site, located in 50 km northeast of Qom, with an area of ​​about seven hectares, is one of the most important settlements in the historical period of Qom region. This site, which consists of two parts of the central castle and the remains of the settlement around it, is of special importance in archaeological studies and the history of Iranian architecture in terms of architectural features and various techniques of arch construction. Despite the scattered research that has been done about this site, there are still various questions about the dating, use and also the factors influencing the formation, development and abandonment of this place. The present study aims to answer the existing questions and ambiguities by using the archaeological evidence obtained from the superficial survey of the site and studying the written historical and geographical sources. Therefore, the method used in this research is based on historical analysis and data collection based on field and documentary studies. According to the results, the location of Qalʻeh Geli Kaj, next to one of the sub-branches of the Silk Road (Isfahan to Rey road) and the need to provide the people’s own and financial security of commercial caravans, have been among the main factors of this site’s formation and development. In fact, the initial nucleus of Qalʻeh Geli in the Parthian period was formed as a facility related to the communication road around it, and during the Sassanid period, as a result of the expansion of trade relations, it became a small town. With the arrival of Islam in Iran and following the recession of economic activities, living in Qalʻeh Geli also declined for several centuries; but after the coming to power of the Seljuks and re-advert to trade affairs, with the reconstruction of the architectural structures of Qalʻeh Geli and the construction of a stone caravanserai on its southeastern side, this town was rebuilt. The Seljuk settlement of Qalʻeh Geli is not the last stage of settlement in there and according to archeological evidence, it was also used during the Ilkhanid and Safavid periods; but it has never regained its previous glory. Finally, with the construction of a new communication road between Qom and Tehran in 1882 AD Qalʻeh Geli was also abandoned.

The first season of the survey was conducted in April and May 2015. It is attempted to determine the studied region according to natural geographical range without considering new political borders. To this end, Bavanat River Basin which is located in two central and Mazayjan parts of this county was fully investigated. Archeological research was carried out in a survey and intensive way to identify all sites and relics that reflect the activities of past human societies in the region. In this research, in addition of using all the information of historical texts and environmental studies, it was tried to conduct a field study in the basin of Bavanat River and by analyzing movable and immovable surface findings, the relationship between cultural sites and settlement patterns are investigated and meanwhile by comparing with the adjacent regions, the relationship between these cultural sites in different periods with the environment and geography of the region is investigated. In general, the most important goals of this archaeological research in 2015 are as the following: identifying all cultural works of different periods of the region; preparing archaeological maps of the studied region in the alternation of different cultural periods, studying and investigating the process of settlement changes in different periods, presenting the sequence of relative chronology of the region based on surface findings, measuring the effect of environment on the formation of settlements, explaining the cultural position of the studied region in cultural areas of country, recognizing regional and trans-regional interactions based on surface findings. During the conducted researches, 200 sites that dated from the Neolithic Period to the late Islamic era were registered. These sites include hills and ancient sites, historical castles, historical places of worship, mosque, bridge, cemetery, mill, petroglyph, ancient mines, and slag site. The oldest signs of settlement in this region were related to the Neolithic that this type of pottery was already identified in Marvast Plain, known as Mushki.

(1-22) The Zarandieh county is located in north of Markazi province and northwest Central Plateau of Iran (Figure 1). The capital of the county is Mamuniyeh and this city is located 80 km from Tehran and 30 km from Saveh. From archaeological point of view, this region is located between Central Zagros mountainous and Central Plateau of Iran. Despite of its proximity well known regions of Central Zagros mountainous and Central Plateau of Iran, it is archaeologically poorly known. Our information about the archaeology of Zarandieh region is restricted to Azem zadeh᾽s work in 1970s, who conducted 3 season archaeological survey in the Saveh and Zarandieh region. Then R. Rezalo conducted a systematic survey at Qhaznak Tape in 2001. Other archaeological activities include the sounding and excavation at Meshken Tape in 2007 and 2008 by Nouri shadmahani and M. Nemati and also excavation and systematic survey at Qhaznak Tape in 2007. In 2008, an archaeological survey conducted by Hanan Bahranipour mainly to identify the settlements pattern and recording of archaeological sites of Zarandieh region. The most important aim of the first season of archaeological survey was identification of the possible sites in this landscape, providing the archaeological map of the area and completing the previous archaeological survey. This project has been directed by intensive survey and also information gathered from local people to recognized and register ancient sites; the process of sampling the uncovered sites was then carried out by collecting typical finds which finally resulted in identification of ancient sites. Despite the number of known settlement sites, so far no systematic archaeological studies have been done on this period and the different aspects of these settlements are unknown. The one season of the survey and exploration resulted in the identification of 99 sites in Zarandieh region (Figure 3). Results from survey areas document a sequence of occupation from prehistory to the Late Islamic period. Among them, 19 sites belonged to prehistoric period (Figure 4), 6 sites (Figure 8) to historical period (Parthian and Sasanian periods) and 84 sites belonging to Islamic period (Figure 10). Islamic sites include big sites, mound, mosque, Imamzādeh, bridge, ice- house, caravansary, cistern, fortress, cemetery, bath, Pigeon tower and etc.The present study is based on two categories of historical and archaeological information which has provided new information about Zarandieh region. The study method included fieldwork and secondary research with a descriptive–analytical approach. Extent, spatial distribution of the sites and introduce different cultural periods of the Zharandieh region and their continuity and discontinuance was the other aims of this study. Geomorphological observations suggest that number of the sites has been located on natural hills (Figure 2). All prehistoric sites are located just near seasonal or perennial streams or rivers. According to the surface materials (such as pottery, lithic, tail, clay pipes (Tanpusheh) and so on) and architectural character or style the mentioned sites belonging to Chalcolithic era to the late Islamic period. Most of sites were being introduced for the first time. However, the some sites, including most notably Gobur qaleh Si, Qaleh garbi Varame and Qaleh shargi contain cultural remains from multiple occupations. We could not identify the Paleolithic and Neolithic episodes yet. But in 2007, Nemati discovered a Paleolithic open site. Zarandieh region divided in to two main zones of plain and mountains. This area contains sequential settlements beginning right from prehistoric period till the late Islamic period. The recorded sites and monuments mostly are located in Zarandieh plain and Kharaghan mountain foothill. Chalcolithic period trace is recognized in 8 sites. The ceramic assemblage of this period can be divided into two major groups: Buff Ware and red Ware; the former contains both plain and painted ceramic. These samples are comparable to ceramics obtained from sites in the Central Plateau and central Zagros such as Tape Sialk in the Kashan Plain, Godin tape in Kangavar plain, Tape Sagz Abad and Tape Ghabrestan in the Qazvin Plain, Tape Qelā Gap and Shat Ghilah in Malayer. In the Bronze period, number of the sites decrease and Tape Gaznak is the largest site in this period. The area of occupation is more than 20 Hectar. The presence of deformed pottery pots and furnace residue are the evidences of pottery production in this area.  Also a very large ocher mine is located near this site. Evidence of metal slag has been found in this area. Based on this survey it seems that during historical period number of sites is rare and the number decreases. We identified no site of The Achaemenid and Seleucid period. We identified only 6 sites belong to Parthian and Sasanian periods. Parthian ceramics are varies from buff, orange to red type. A number of these ceramics have mostly impress, curved and raised decorations (Figure 9). Also these types of ceramics show the cultural relations with Qale’ Yazdgird, Khurhe, Parthian domain of Bisotun and Sang-e Shir Cemetery in Hamedan and etc. Most surveyed sites dated to the Islamic period, mainly middle and late Islamic period. In the Islamic period, the number increases drastically, reaching 84. It seems that in this period, the sites are located mostly in side plain. The sites including settlements, mosque, Imam zādeh, bridge, ice- house, caravansary, watering place, fortress, cemetery, bath, Pigeon tower and small and large mounded sites. In this period, the human settlements have been focused on the rivers and water resources for example Qanats. The Zarandieh region populated during the Islamic period and formed towns and villages in Zarandieh plain. The recorded sites mostly belong to Seljuk period and Ilkhanid era. One of the major cities of Iran, which was on the Silk Road, is Moshkoye located between Hamedan, Saveh and Rayy. Based on historical and archeological evidences (for example pottery and architecture) one site proposed as the probable location of the city which is Moshkin Tape in Zarandieh township. Moshkin Tape has been most important in regard to settlement patterns from 10 to 13 century A.D. The name of the city of Moshkoye appears in the books of authors such as Ibn Hawqal, Ibn ḵurdādbih, Ibn Rusta, Istakhri, Jayhani, Maghdasi and so on. In Islamic period, presence of ceramic tripods, plugs (stoppers) and deformed fragments attest to their local production at Moshkin Tape (Figure 11), Tape Abdollah Abad and Tape Shirin Chai. The ceramic types in Zarandieh region include the unglazed simple wares, molded wares, monochrome glaze, added motifs, wares, Sgraffiato, splashed glaze wares, lusterware. The distribution of the sites and their positions compare to the Rivers (Shirin Rood, Adramneh Chai, Rood Shur, and Maasum Rood) indicate that these rivers have played an important role for the populations who used to live in this geographical region during the prehistoric to Islamic times. The investigation is not now complete and the considerable amount of material and data and excavation of the major sites is currently being studied leading to full publication of the results. Inquiring into the features of the recognized sites, this article focuses on cultural periods and the nature of their settlement patterns. The results of the survey of Zarandieh County promise a clear outlook on the oncoming archaeological research projects depending on the pre- defined questions which certainly will be followed by brilliant consequences.

This paper presents general information on the typology of various ancient sites in the Kohgilouyeh region, which have been identified and recorded as a result of the second and third seasons of archaeological surveys in this important region. These surveys were carried out in an area of about approximately 3,000 square kilometers in the Cheram, Qaleh Raeesi, and some parts of Dishmouk and Lendeh districts. The main aim of the survey was to identify the ancient sites of this region. We adopted an extensive and relatively intensive approach in our survey, and our basis was topographic maps at the scale of 1/25000 to obtain a general understanding of the geographical situation of the Kohgilouyeh region. At the end of these surveys, a total of 374 sites from the Middle Paleolithic to the Late Qajar and the Early Pahlavi periods were identified and studied. In general, the identified sites can be divided into 15 groups: sites, mounds, caves, rock shelters, public utility buildings, ossuaries, fortified manor house, religious monuments, mountain fortresses, cemeteries, paved roads, water conveyance channels, water stones, petroglyphs, and trenches. The most important sites identified from the prehistoric period encompass open sites, caves, and rock shelters such as Kamkenak, Eshkaft Siyah, Ghafelehbeh 1, 2, and 3 rock shelters, and Kabgi rock shelter and cave, providing evidence of the Middle Paleolithic, Epipaleolithic, and possibly Proto-Neolithic periods. Historical sites include some sites with stone architecture, ossuaries, and cemeteries. Due to today's semi-sedentary lifestyle of people in the Kohgilouyeh region, it was predictable that the majority of the identified sites were of the nomadism type. Moreover, many of these sites belong to the Islamic era and are most likely related to the prosperity of the ancient city of Dehdasht in the Middle and Late Islamic centuries and the subsidiary regions around it.

Geographic and environmental attributes of a given region assume a pivotal role in the formation and persistence of human settlements. Nature confers possibilities and resources on human, who, as per his understanding of them, employs them in pursuit of his goals, hence the rise of human–nature interaction. The frequency of and the ways in which human settlements are established and the type of functions they serve with regard to environmental characteristics give rise to the ecology, which aims to grasp the scope of the interrelationships between humans and the environment. The present paper examines the scope of human-environment interactions in the Parthian period over the geographic extent of ​​the central part of the Kopeh dagh-Aladagh corridor. The paper seeks to ascertain the local environment’s influence on the formation and evolution of Parthian settlements and to find out the pertinent settlement patterns in northern Khorasan. Given the environmental potentialities, what were the Parthians’ criteria for site location when establishing their settlements? How did these priorities affect the distribution of sites and their settlement pattern in the study area?  The present paper represents a multifaceted research drawing upon archaeological survey, ecological studies, information processing in GIS, examining the relationships between natural and cultural variables and their impact on the formation of the contemporaneous settlements, and finally archaeological analysis.  The study adopts an ecological and economical approach. In this context, ecological data on the relation between soil type, geology, flora, fauna, and water table or “biosorption analysis” have been used. Processual archaeologists use ecological systems as their basic model for observing the adaptive transformations humans in response to environmental circumstances as even small environmental alterations will have the potential to affect cultural structures. The Kopeh dagh-Aladagh corridor stretches from Garmab in western North Khorasan to the Mashhad plain to the east. For the purposes of this study, the corridor is divided into the following three separate parts based on geographic features that someway affect cultural aspects: a) Western part: extending from the beginning of the village of Garmab to the border of Shirvan County (Reza Abad), this part is characterized by a mountainous terrain with narrow passes such as Badranlu; b) Central part: in this part, defined by the beginning of Shirvan County (Reza Abad) and the end of Quchan County, the plains grow wider as the mountains begin to sit back; c) Eastern part: Chenaran County and the Mashhad plain mark the extreme boundaries of this part. The focus of the present work is on the central corridor, viz. the stretch delineated by the counties of Shirvan, Farooj and Quchan (Figure: 1). Geographically, the study area encompasses the structural valley of Atrak-Kashafrud, an expanse that is bounded by the mountains of Kopeh Dagh/Hezar Masjed to the north and the Aladagh/Binalud mountains to the south (Figure:2). This plain geomorphological unit exhibits a fairly wide and flat landform, and is principally affected by the sedimentary process of the flowing water bodies of the Kashafrud and Atrak rivers and their tributaries. Geomorphology, it consists of three main units of plain, foothills, and mountains. Its northern and southern sectors are mountainous, its slopes are characterized by foothills, and its central part consists of plain. Indeed, the mountainous quarters comprise small, narrow intermontane plains, which fall in the plain sub-class. The regional heights follow the northwest-southeast trend dictated by the general orientation of the Kopeh dagh zone. The Atrak and Kashafrud rivers rise from the regional mountains, forming two drainage basins. The archeological survey of the concerned area recorded more than 500 archaeological mounds and sites spanning the Chalcolithic to the Islamic period. Based on a comparative analysis of the surface pottery, 20 Parthian sites are distinguishable. It is notable that due to the lack of adequate knowledge of common Parthian pottery forms in the region, due caution has been exercised in the identification of these sites. These Parthian sites are divided between 16 examples lying in the northern half of the plain on the southern slopes of Kopeh dagh/Hezar Masjed and 4 instances that occur in the southern half on the northern slopes of Aladagh. As stated, a main objective of this study is to pin down the influential factors of the region's ecology in the formation of Parthian sites and their distribution in the geographic setting of the central Kopeh dagh-Aladagh corridor. To this end, such components as geology, altitude, slope gradient and aspect, climate, water resources and soil are explored. Finally, the results of the study reveal a close and direct correlation between the site location and the environmental factors (Figures: 3-10). The central Kopeh dagh/Hezar Masjed corridor on the north and Aladagh/Binalud on the south form an upland district hemmed in by mountains. Due to its mountain geomorphology, the area is generally dominated by cold, dry climate. In mountainous regions, slopes and valleys generally offer more advantageous conditions for settlement as the altitude variable prompts reduced temperature and increased humidity. Dropped temperature in warm seasons results in lowered evaporation of water resources, making water resources more easily accessible throughout the year. The choice of appropriate altitude as an influential factor in human activities has thus led to the concentration of Parthian settlements on the slopes dominating the plain. Choosing slopes provided the local populations with access to montane pastures, but also enabled them to exploit alluvial and fertile plains. The same strategy is still operative in the region, where, save for the cities that lie in the plain, rural settlements mostly sit on the slopes overlooking the plain. The distribution of the sites in reference to the slope gradient and aspect shows that, with the exception of F 0026, the Parthian sites lie in proper points of terrain ruggedness and slope gradient spectra, and their dominant slope aspect indicates the maximum use of solar heat in this cold region, with advantageous impacts on agricultural production and pastures. Given their location on slopes, the hitherto identified Parthian sites mostly occur on the spring-fed influent streams that flow into the Atrak, with no instances recognized along the latter. In light of the results from environmental studies, the altitude, slope gradient, easy access to water resources, and fertile soil served as the foremost factors governing the distribution of Parthian sites in the region as they were directly linked with subsistence. It is notable that while our environmental studies drew on the present-day landscape, the survey of the study area produced about 500 sites dating between the Chalcolithic to the Islamic period, and presence of this huge number of sites over this protracted timespan testifies to the fact that advantageous environmental conditions did prevail in the past.

Chāhdādkhodā is located at the southernmost of Kerman province; on the border with ‎provinces ‎of Sistan & Baluchistan and Hormozgan.‎ In the administrative divisions of Iran, This area is one of dual districts of Qalehganj towns. ‎In 2016, the first archaeological survey season of Qalehganj was carried out for completing ‎the ‎archaeological map of Iran and identifying the cultural sequence in this area.‎  In present paper, it's tried to determine the regional and trans- regional interactions of study ‎area ‎with its adjacent regions by analyzing and integrating the results of survey.‎  Based on the carried survey, 66 sites and traces were identified that chronologically ‎belonging to ‎periods of Paleolithic (2 cases), fifth millennium bc (2 cases), fourth millennium ‎bc (10 cases), ‎third millennium bc (27 cases), Historic periods(29 sites) and Islamic era (3 cases) ‎and Recent ‎century(2 cases.).‎ Morphologically and functionally, the Ancient sites can be divided to 8 types: 1-Wide multi-‎‎ ‎functional sites 2- Historical Crain burials 3- Ancient tepes 4- Metallurgy sites 5- religion ‎buildings ‎‎6- fortresses 7- Rock engravings 8- Ancient sites with small cultural domination.‎  Based on geographical location, all of above sites situated on two areas as highland zone ‎and ‎plain.‎   Finally, by analyzing of preliminary results of present study area and its adjacent area at ‎northern ‎highlands of Persian gulf, Baluchistan (Bampur) ,Halilroud basin (Jiroft) and Soghan valley) we can consider the study area as a intermediation for connection of mentioned areas in prehistoric and historical periods.‎ Qal’eh Ganj is located on the mostsouthern place of Kerman province. Chāh-e Khodādād is one of two districts of the present Qal’eh Ganj County, on the border of Sistan & Balouchestan and Hormozgan (Figure 1). In 2016, the first season of archaeological survey and reconnaissance of town of Qal’eh Ganj has been carried out as a part of the Iranian National Archaeological Map Project in which the authors tried to clarify the cultural status of the region in different periods in Chāh-e Khodādād District (Mortezayi & Anjomrouz, 2017). In addition to the purposes as mentioned above, the present research attempts to analyze and compound the results of this research and to discern regional and trans-regional connections and interactions with the neighboring areas. This region has a strategic situation because it lies at the trijunction of three significant culturalgeographical zones in the southeast of Iran (Mokrān shores, the Persian Gulf shores and Halīlrūd Rūd (Halīl River) basin (Figure 1). This survey resulted in the discovery of 66 archaeological localities dating from Palaeolithic to Islamic periods. The sites as mentioned earlier which are morphologically influenced by the geographical factors of their places can be categorized into two different types: plain areas and highlands (foothill and mountainous areas). The first season of archaeological survey and reconnaissance of town of Qal’eh Ganj has been carried out as a part of the Iranian National Archaeological Map Project in which the authors tried to clarify the cultural status of the region in different periods in Chāh-e Khodādād District (Mortezayi & Anjomrouz, 2017). The present research attempts to analyse and compound the results of this project and discern regional and trans-regional connections and interactions of this area with the neighbouring areas.  Throughout historic and prehistoric period, how is assess the cultural connection of survey area with surrounded regions? Based on geographical location of study area and archaeological document from surrounded area, we can assume survey area as an intermediation for cultural connection between Halilroud basins, Baluchistan and northen beach of Persian Gulf. Based on the survey, 66 sites and properties have been identified and registered which belong to the Paleolithic (Figure 7 & 8; Table 1), 5th millennium BC (Figure 9; Table 1), 4th millennium BC (Figure 10 & 11; Table 1), 3rd millennium BC (Figure 12 & 13; Table 1), Historical period (Figure 15 & 16; Table 1), the Islamic period (Table 1) and the recent century (Table 1). Considering the morphology and forms of the settlements, all of the recollected sites have been divided into eight types of sites including large compound sites, historical cemeteries, ancient tepes (mounds), archaeometallurgical sites, religious buildings, fortresses, petroglyphs and ancient sites with a few numbers of cultural materials. The sites as mentioned earlier which are morphologically influenced by the geographical factors of their places can be categorized into two different types: plain areas and foothill and mountainous areas. This survey which begins with an investigation on some cases dating back to the middle Paleolithic is in line with other similar researches, but it is the starting point of a series of studies in the area in question as well as in the southeast of Iran. The preliminary findings prove, at least, the noticeable potentials of the area under study for further Paleolithic researches. New finds of Paleolithic period from survey area provide a base to develop Paleolithic research in southeastern Iran especially for asses this area in dispersal of human at southern corridor of Iran (Vahdati nasab et al, 2012). Typology and dating of prehistoric sites (Table 2-4) along with their quantity an  dispersion of cultural materials indicates  potentiality  of survey area for appearance and development of third millennium bc occupations and probably  cities of this period on the margin of episodic rivers. Vicinity and interference of third millennium sites with chalcolithic occupations suggest fifth and forth millennium cultures for searching origins of Bronze Age occupations formation in same regain. The analysis of the preliminary findings as well as other few investigations in the neighboring regions in the northern heights of the Persian Gulf (Podat, 2010) including the vast sites of the Bronze Age in the seasonal riversides of the sites under study, these findings can function as a bridge between basin of Jazmurian and the northern shores of the Persian Gulf. Presence of special pottery of historical period, namord and londo in study area (Figures 15 & 16; Table 5), implies on intermediating role of southern Jazmurian between areas from Baluchistan to southern shores of Persian Gulf in Arabian Peninsula.

In this article we present the scientific objectives and results of the first two field-seasons in 2016 and 2017 of the Bam Archaeological Mission (BAM), a new Iranian-French joint field research project in the Bam-Narmashir Region, Kerman. During these two field-seasons, we surveyed this region and recorded about 250 sites mostly dating from the Palaeolithic period to the Iron Age. One of the most significant results from this survey is the discovery of two substantial settlements, one dating to the Neolithic period and the other one relating to the fourth millennium BCE Aliabad archaeological culture. These settlements are probably among the highest concentrations of sites dating to these periods reported so far from the south-eastern Iranian Plateau. In 2017, we also resumed excavation at the Neolithic site of Tell-e Atashi. We opened test-trenches at various locations at this site as well as a new stratigraphic trench near the excavation that had been opened in 2008. With new radiocarbon dates, we were able to confirm that at least a large part of the occupation levels at Tell-e Atashi dates to between the second half of the sixth and the middle of the fifth millennia BCE. This fieldwork also made it clear that this site is aceramic, a configuration that stands in contrast to the typical sixth and fifth millennia BCE archaeological sites in Iran. The aggregate of this fieldwork produced new data which have confirmed the unique nature of Tell-e Atashi and the Bam-Narmashir Region as well as their significance for the understanding of the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods in the Indo-Iranian Borderlands.

Sarayan region is one of the most studied areas of South Khorasan Archaeology in recent years which has not been many studies. This area comprises two parts from landscape: mountainous and plain. These parts have provided environmentally favorable locations for settlements formation in past. As the formation of early settlements have always been dependent to environmental factors. one of these approaches in archeological studies is the study of the settlement pattern and analysis investigating the formation process of archeological sites in environmental contexts. It seems human interactions with the environment in the South Plain of Sarayan causing a distinct landscape. Information and awareness of settlement pattern of area could improve the perception of its cultural landscapes. In the past, this kind of analysis was done through traditional methods but nowadays analysis of settlement pattern is done by different software like ArcGIS that results in real and accurate information. The present study investigates 16 settlements of the Chalcolithic and Bronze ages in Sarayan region that were identified in archaeological survey of Sarayan. This research studies the settlement pattern recognition of the pre-historic period in this region for the first time. The most important questions are how settlements are formed in the region and factors affecting settlements formation during the Chalcolithic and Bronze ages. Therefore, first, were performed typological comparison of the data and the settlements chronological then, GIS software was used to analyze and identify settlement patterns of Sarayan area with various factors of natural and human geography. Accordingly, various variables were analyzed such as precipitation, rivers and environmental contexts. These analyzes showed that different variables have an important influence on the settlements formation. These variables include elevation code, temperature status, access to permanent water sources. Even the number of sites have been created on the border of permanent rivers in this region.
 

The interaction between human and her surrounding environment creates cultural landscapes in nature. It is a reciprocal relationship. The environment forms the basis of culture by its capabilities and limitations and cultures adapt to the environment by using environmental features and overcome environmental constraints and lead to the formation of landscape in environmental contexts. Influence of human on the natural environment has always provided a spatial distinction in terms of population and habitat density and it has caused the formation of specific patterns of habitation in different ancient periods. The interaction in between human and environment is important in settlement pattern discussion, as human and environmental conditions have influenced each other in a same place; In other words, human has changed the environment to his advantage as much as affected by the environmental factors. This effect has made some changes in the environment and human behavior. What we know as culture –the human distinctive feature- is the result of this adaptation and behavior basically. The interaction between human being and environment either in the form of human effect on the environment or the environment effect on the human, cannot be considered out of the environment.
Khorasan province which is located among the cultural area of southwestern central Asia, northeastern of central plateau and northeastern Iran is one of the unexplored but important regions in archaeological investigation in Iran. Sarayan region is one of the most studied areas of South Khorasan archaeology in recent years which has not been many studies. Sarayan region is located in North West South Khorasan relatively cool climate and the mountain. Plains and mountains around the Sarayan have been quite capable of living in different moments of human life. Surveys accomplished in this area show that happened the peak of progress and cultural development in the fourth and third millennium BC.
Research Questions: The most important questions are how settlements are formed in the region and factors affecting settlements formation during the Chalcolithic and Bronze ages.
Research Hypotheses: These analyzes showed that different variables have an important influence on the settlements formation. These variables include elevation code, temperature status, access to permanent water sources. Even the number of sites have been created on the border of permanent rivers.

The method of collecting data are field and libraries. Therefore, first, were performed typological comparison of the data and the settlements chornological then, GIS software was used to analyze and identify settlement patterns of Sarayan area with various factors of natural and human geography.
 

Archaeological survey of central district of Sarayan started in 2011. In this study were discovered different sites from pre-historic to contemporary period. Most of these sites are related from the 4th to 2th millennium BC. Generally, the distribution of these settlements is due to geographical and human factors. In fact, geography has been influenced in all stages of life of human societies. Another factor is the human factor. In fact, the purpose of the human factor is both nomadic and sedentary societies who live more close to each other.
Of total identified settlements in the Sarayan rgion, only 3 sites have been created in mountainous areas and 13 sites in the southern plain of Sarayan. It seems that there are more sites in this plain but they have been buried under the sands over time due to the abundance of sand and heavy winds. However, it is difficult to identify ancient settlements in mountainous areas due to specific topographical conditions and impassable mountains. Undoubtedly, these settlements continue in the northern half of 3Qale district,that needs a systematic survey to obtain a comprehensive scale of the prehistoric sites and their location in the region. In general, of all the identified settlements in this survey, pre-historic settlements inclusive for about 11% of the total identified settlements of the central district.
The samples of pottery collected from the surface of prehistoric settlements are the most of the data related to this period in this region that used for typology and chronology. The results of these studies show the many similarities of the Sarayan pottery traditions with the central plateau, northeast of Iran, southeast of Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan regions. The typological results of these sites show that these sites are from the 5th to 2th millennium BC.

The results of the present study show that except for 3 sites including Nodeh, Zou, and tappeh Pas-e- Borj, the other settlements are located in the southern part of Sarayan and in one settlement line. So that all sites are located in the southern plain and southern jungle or on the farmlands. Sandy bedding and strong winds have buried most of these sites under the soil, and this is a potential threat to these sites that may remain unknown or destroyed.
Statistics show that 80% of the settlements are formed in lowly and sandy plains with very low slope and only 20% of settlements are formed in higher and sub montane areas. It should be known that this model has been tested based on surface surveys and for this reason, it may not be able to cover some sites and settlements. As mentioned, it may many sites have been covered by sedimentation and sandstorms. It is also possible some of the sites within the Jungle and the Southern Plains of Sarayan in the pre-historic times have been created to temporary settlement. Because this nomadic life was prevalent in this region in Islamic period. Ethno-archeology models can help us in this context.

Rock engravings of the Nir mountain were identified by the author during the archaeological survey of Kohgilouye region in 2013. These engravings are containing 5 individual set. All of the engravings are scattered on a part of rocky face of Nir Mountain. Motifs of the engravings are including human and animal images such as goat, dog and ibex. Subject of the motifs are pastureland and animals during hunting and the figures are made by knocking and engraving methods. One of the most interesting motifs is image of two kid goats which have been shown on back of a mature goat between their horn curvatures. Rock engravings of the Nir mountain do not have any chronological indicators, and dating of the motifs requires laboratory studies which cannot, unfortunately, be carried out in Iran. Therefore an exact chronology has not yet been presented for motifs of these collections.

Today, Ethnoarcheological studies are one of the main pillars of archaeological research and are of great importance. Ethnoarcheological, by using mechanisms It begins to compare and analogy static archaeological findings with dynamic anthropological findings, expands them, relates to each other, as well as environmental conditions, and helps to study this process in order to better understand human societies in the past. Southeastern Iran has been one of the important areas in cultural interactions with the Indus Valley, Mesopotamia, the Iranian plateau and the southern coast of Iran; this region is known as Little India due to its humid and tropical climate, impassable mountains and dry deserts. The present study was conducted in SefidKuh area located in Nikshahr city, Bent district of Sistan and Baluchestan province. This area is home to communities with a semi-sedentary settlement pattern in the form of scattered and cohesive villages with a specific location pattern along rivers or intermountain plains that follow the pattern of circular, oval, cohesive and rectangular architecture in a limited way. The livelihood pattern of these communities is very broad and is based on agriculture, horticulture, livestock, hunting, food gathering, trade and labor, and they follow unique cultural and economic patterns and political and social relations similar to prehistoric times. Two separate and, of course, related objectives were considered in this study; in the first stage, the project of surveying and identifying the ancient sites of the region was carried out, and in the second stage, the anthropological study of the current living communities was considered. In this study, the continuity of the settlement patterns of the studied communities and also the identification and registration of all biological and cultural patterns of living settlements in Sefidkuh of Makran area (Balochistan) were examined. Finally, using the approaches of the thnoearcheological, the similarity and difference between the communities in question and prehistoric communities (exclusively, Epipaleolithic, Neolithic, Chalcolithic) was measured, which ultimately led to a better awareness of the region's ancient and special cultures.

The ancient Sistan was a vast and prosperous territory considered as one of the most important Iranian states since the ancient times. This land is extended from the north of the Indus and Arghandab Rivers to Zahedan Mountains and its main part is a wide and flat plain including Sistan and Nehbandan in the Iranian territory and Nimruz, Farah and Helmand states in the Afghan boundaries. Throughout this region, remnants of ancient cities and towns have been remained as a collection of continuous ruins, mounds and embankments that each represents different features both in terms of time and location and also function and architectural structure. One of these important sites is Qala-i Sam. This castle, located in the center of Sistan, is one of the most significant and largest sites of the historical eras in the eastern Iran that to this date, despite its great importance, no scientific studies and research have been performed on this site as it deserves and questions such as the settlement period or periods, architectural structure, real identity, and position of this site in the political and social system of its time have still remained unanswered. Accordingly, a research plan based on a comprehensive and general survey was implemented on this site. In this research plan, while studying the architectural evidence, sampling was carried out based on collecting the significant surface samples for relative chronology on the basis of typological comparison so that all the features and characteristics of this place could be identified and recorded; and finally, by comparing the material evidence with the historical sources based on a historical approach, the real identity of this site was investigated. Based on the performed typology, the surface pottery samples existing on this site were categorized into three periods. The first category includes Seleucid pottery which is analogous with the Seleucid pottery of the sites such as Susa, Charsada, Laodicea and Kangavar. The second category includes some Parthian pottery which is comparable to the Parthian pottery of the sites such as Qala-i Kulak, Kuh-e Khajeh, , Kok-e Kohzad, Tape-i Gouri, Qumis, Bistun, Qala-i Yazdgerd, Qorveh, and Kelardasht, Nush-i Jan, Bardsir, Qeshm and MahNeshan. And the third category is consisted of Sasanian pottery that can be compared with Parthian pottery of sites like Bandian, Kush, Atashkuhe, Kaferun, Ramshahrestan, Qala-i Kulak and Mahneshan. The obtained results indicate that Qala-i Sam site has been constructed during the Seleucid period and its extensive settlement continued until the early Sassanid era. It is likely that, this site has been the remains of a city known as Agriaspi mentioned in historical texts which has been the seating place of the royal families during the Seleucid and Parthian periods as the central city of Sistan. According to the performed studies, it can be argued that Qala-i Sam is remains of a historical castle-city with an enclosed space which has more than 11 hectares area with a peripheral connection extended beyond a few dozen hectares. This site with a regular and trapezoid-shape structure has a hypodam plan and the remains of the buildings and constructions existing in it imply an orderly, regular, and coordinated architecture that attests to the principles of a hypodam architecture urbanism. Most likely, this site is the remains of a Seleucid-Parthian city known as Agriaspi, mentioned in the Greek texts, that during the Seleucid eras and afterwards, during the Parthian periods, was considered as the governmental seat of the Sistan Plain and has played a central role compared to its contemporary sites; and eventually, in the early Sassanian era, this site has lost its political position due to some reasons.

The  Chehel-Chay River Basin, Minoudast, located to the east of Gorgan Plain, was according to historical sources and archaeological data, a strategic thoroughway during the historical, especially the Parthian period. Systematic archaeological surveys aimed at discerning the distribution pattern of the Parthian period, lead to the discovery of 110 sites, of which 80 date to the Parthian period. Using a landscape archaeology approach we explored the relationship between the environmental conditions and site distribution, especially the role environmental patterns played in site locations. Accordingly we used GIS softwares to carry out cluster analyses on the sites. The outcome suggested that the river, its surrounding heights and the communication routes were among the important factors in site distribution. Within the long intermountain valleys site distribution shows a lines pattern along the rivers whereas in the plains sites, are distributed with short distance between them clustered around a single large town.