Controlling the Plain. The Analysis of the Settlement Patterns of the Salmas Plain, Iran,from the Prehistoric to the Sasanian Periods.

This contribution aims to provide a detailed diachronic analysis of the settlement patterns in the Salmas plain, in north-western Iran. The chronological period taken into consideration goes from Prehistory to the Sasanian period, covering the entire pre-Islamic period. The work is based on a comprehensive re-evaluation of the archaeological data available to us, as well as new data produced using remote sensing. The contribution analyses the forms of interaction and control of the territory operated by the sites, in particular the fortified ones, and reconstructs for the periods for which the data are sufficient the management strategies of the plain using GIS software, as well as the analysis of the points of sight and intervisibility. The result is a highly complex and articulated situation where the settlement patterns have not always been the same over time although some forms of continuity can be noted. Due to its position and geographical characteristics, the Salmas plain is in all respects a place of great importance in the study of the archaeology of north-western Iran. It is no coincidence that key-sites such as Haftavan Tappeh or Qara Tappeh have had a long history spanning from Protohistory to the historical period. The aim of this contribution is therefore to be a first review and re-evaluation of the archaeological information of the Salmas plain and a recontextualisation of the sites in the pre-protohistoric and historical dynamics of the area examined using tools like G.I.S.