Chalcolithic Settlements in Gavroud Basin in East of Central Zagros

Gavroud mountain valleys plain in the east of central Zagros with an area about 985 km2 is located in the northeast of Sonqor and due to favorable environmental condition has embed numeral settlements in chalcolithic periods. The cultural relationships in this plain were revealed by potteries from regional cultures including Godin, She-Gabi and Dalma. Also this evidence indicates a parallel and convergence evolution in chalcolithic culture of the study area with central Zagros. This study investigates affecting environmental variables related to settlement patterns. Results revealed that settlement site selection in Gavroud plain in chalcolitic eras was affected by bioclimatic and environmental conditions and land use capability. It could be mentioned that high density of water bodies such as springs and streams flowing in mountain valleys provide suitable conditions for development of chalcolithic cultures. Also it is worth noting that the penetration of Dalma culture through the plain indicates the high potential of the area to provide human requirements and to formulate ultra-regional relationships.