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A) Distal end of humerus of goat, Seleuco-Parthian; B) First phalanx of sheep, Iron II; C) Distal end of humerus of boar, Seleuco-Parthian; D) Horn core of gazelle, Middle Bronze; E) Heavy cut marks on the distal end of humerus of cattle, Iron III; F) Modification on the talus of cattle, Iron II; G) Metatarsal of cattle, Iron II; H) Metatarsal of horse, Achaemenid; I) Metatarsal of reed deer, Iron II; J) Pathological trace on the first phalanx of cattle, Late Bronze; K) Canid biting on distal end of metacarpal of cattle, Achaemenid.
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Northwestern Iran is one of the key regions in the archaeological researches, especially during the Iron Age. Tepe Hasanlu is an important ancient site due to its long-term occupation and extensive excavations, with relatively complete studies. This paper dealing with the results of recent archaeozoological researches of Hasanlu, to complete the la...
Contexts in source publication
Context 1
... (Ovis orientalis), and 1 bone to wild goat (Capra aegagrus). Of the collection, 2094 bones have no criteria for identifying whether they are sheep or goat species and were therefore allocated to Caprinae. A total of 46 bones belong to the Cervidae family, allocated specifically to red deer (Cervus elaphus) according to morphological indications (Fig. 6). The Equidae family comprises domesticated animals. In this group were classed 274 bones, of which horse (Equus caballus) and ass (Equus asinus) are the main species (Fig. 6H). In the collection, 5 bones were distinguished as belonging to the Camelidae family according to examinations of the humerus, first phalanx, radius, and ulna ...
Context 2
... allocated to Caprinae. A total of 46 bones belong to the Cervidae family, allocated specifically to red deer (Cervus elaphus) according to morphological indications (Fig. 6). The Equidae family comprises domesticated animals. In this group were classed 274 bones, of which horse (Equus caballus) and ass (Equus asinus) are the main species (Fig. 6H). In the collection, 5 bones were distinguished as belonging to the Camelidae family according to examinations of the humerus, first phalanx, radius, and ulna (Steiger, 1990). A total of 129 bones of the Suidae family were attributed to boar (Sus scrofa) (Fig. 6C). The Canidae family consists of 153 bones, most of them (131 bones) ...
Context 3
... bones, of which horse (Equus caballus) and ass (Equus asinus) are the main species (Fig. 6H). In the collection, 5 bones were distinguished as belonging to the Camelidae family according to examinations of the humerus, first phalanx, radius, and ulna (Steiger, 1990). A total of 129 bones of the Suidae family were attributed to boar (Sus scrofa) (Fig. 6C). The Canidae family consists of 153 bones, most of them (131 bones) belonging to domesticated dog (Canis familiaris). Additionally, 2 skulls of fox were identified; the 2 bones of badger (Meles meles) and 2 skulls of least weasel (Mustela nivalis) defined in the collection can be assigned as intrusive species. Finally, 20 bones of ...
Context 4
... and slaughtering are other common traces on the bones of 278 specimens, especially on hammy bones, such as the humerus, femur, tibia, and tarsal and carpal bones. The presence of some cut marks on the bones of horse, badger, and birds is interesting. The use of bones as tools and ornamental objects was distinguishable via traces of modifications (Fig. 6F). For instance, many horn cores of cattle and goat were cut from the base; the same modification was observed in all the antlers of deer. The highest traces of human activities were observed in the skeletal parts of cattle and Caprinae - traces that reflect their importance in the subsistence economy of Hasanlu (Fig. 6E). Other traces ...
Context 5
... traces of modifications (Fig. 6F). For instance, many horn cores of cattle and goat were cut from the base; the same modification was observed in all the antlers of deer. The highest traces of human activities were observed in the skeletal parts of cattle and Caprinae - traces that reflect their importance in the subsistence economy of Hasanlu (Fig. 6E). Other traces relate to animal activities. The most frequently occurring animal traces are carnivore biting and gnawing (128 bones), which could have been caused by canids (e.g., Canis familiaris). These traces were generally observed on the bones of cattle, Caprinae, and horse (Fig. 6K). Traces of effects from environmental factors, ...
Context 6
... their importance in the subsistence economy of Hasanlu (Fig. 6E). Other traces relate to animal activities. The most frequently occurring animal traces are carnivore biting and gnawing (128 bones), which could have been caused by canids (e.g., Canis familiaris). These traces were generally observed on the bones of cattle, Caprinae, and horse (Fig. 6K). Traces of effects from environmental factors, such as weathering and plant roots traces are rare in the collection. This can explain the good preservation condition of the bones after accumulation. Traces of labor stress, although interesting, are also rare. The identification of some pathological elements on the cervical vertebra and ...
Context 7
... traces are rare in the collection. This can explain the good preservation condition of the bones after accumulation. Traces of labor stress, although interesting, are also rare. The identification of some pathological elements on the cervical vertebra and first phalanges of cattle indicated the probable use of this species as draught animals (Fig. ...
Citations
... Alikemek Tepesi in the south of the Republic of Azerbaijan near the Iranian border (1P3 and 1M1) (Berthon, 2014;Narimanov, 1977Narimanov, , 1987, the Iron Age level (2nd millennium BCE) of Tepe Hasanlu in North-western Iran (2P3s, 1P4, 1M1, and 1M2) (Davoudi & Mashkour, 2019;Hejebri Nobari et al., 2016), and the medieval site of Shahre Qumis (1MC and 3MTs) (Hansman & Stronach, 1974;Mashkour et al., 2021) in North-eastern Iran. ...
Equids have shaped past Eurasian societies in many ways. This applies in particular to domestic horses, donkeys, and their hybrids. Key to documenting modes of exploitation and cultural trajectories in past societies is the correct taxonomic classification of tooth and bone specimens found in archaeological sites. However, close osteomorphological resemblance of wild and domestic equids and their economically valuable hybrids, that is, mules and hinnies, complicates the identification of intentionally fragmented or naturally damaged archaeological specimens. Here, we apply geometric morphometrics (GM) to mandibular teeth and metapodials, two skeletal elements commonly found in archaeological collections and known for their diagnostic properties using traditional morphometric methods. We registered a statistically representative set of 2D and 3D coordinates on mandibular teeth (P3, P4, M1, and M2) and metapodials of 92 domestic horses ( Equus caballus Linnaeus, 1758), 70 domestic donkeys ( Equus asinus Linnaeus, 1758), 30 hybrids, and 63 Asiatic wild asses ( Equus hemionus Pallas, 1775). Taxonomic classification of these 255 specimens considered both shape and form , applying linear discriminant analysis, k‐nearest neighbors algorithm, and artificial neural networks to seven combinations of taxa. We obtained correct classifications in over 87% and 80%, respectively, of the premolars and molars and in over 93% and 89%, respectively, of the metacarpals and metatarsals. This modern dataset was then used to classify equid specimens from three archaeological sites in the Middle East already analyzed morphologically. Taking into account the past zoogeography of wild equids and the historical distribution of their domesticated descendants and hybrids, the GM approach presented in this study offers the possibility to morphologically classify archaeological equids with far greater certainty than has been the case so far.
... It therefore appears that there was the development of a specialized economy during the Bronze and Iron Ages to provision the requirements of a sedentary population. Further studies on other sites can illuminate the interactions between sedentary societies and pastoral nomads Hejebri Nobari et al. 2017). ...
The trilingual, highly illustrated book comprises a Persian text with two long summaries in French and English. Designed for a wide readership interested in archaeology and its various disciplines, it offers an archaeozoological reading of the Iranian Prehistory and Antiquity. The book is divided into 4 chapters: 1- The importance of biological remains in archaeological research, 2- Conservation and documentation of human and animal osteological collections at the National Museum of Iran, and 3- Bioarchaeological studies of the Iranian Plateau. The latter presents six case studies of osteological assemblages from the Palaeolithic to the modern period, addressing major themes such as the evolution of biodiversity, the domestication of herbivores, the diachronic evolution of subsistence economies on the Iranian Plateau, and the role of animals in trans-regional contacts during antiquity. The final chapter brings together the authors' reflections and prospects for future bioarchaeological research in Iran.
... Hasanlu and Dinkha Tepe during the Late Bronze and Iron Ages (Gilbert & Steinfeld, 1977;Harris, 1989;Nobari et al., 2017;Tosi, 1975). Faunal remains recovered at Hasanlu indicate that the subsistence economy was based on the exploitation of domestic sheep, goats, and cattle through farming but also included hunting practices for wild birds, boar, and deer (Dyson, 1962;Nobari et al., 2017). ...
... Hasanlu and Dinkha Tepe during the Late Bronze and Iron Ages (Gilbert & Steinfeld, 1977;Harris, 1989;Nobari et al., 2017;Tosi, 1975). Faunal remains recovered at Hasanlu indicate that the subsistence economy was based on the exploitation of domestic sheep, goats, and cattle through farming but also included hunting practices for wild birds, boar, and deer (Dyson, 1962;Nobari et al., 2017). Faunal and archaeological remains at Hasanlu (i.e., remains of a stable and horse gear) indicate that horses became more prominent in society during the Iron Age. ...
This project considers the status and health experiences of subadults in Late Bronze-Iron II northwestern Iran (1450 – 800 B.C.E.) using osteological and archaeological analysis. It investigates how wealth, status, and health interact with the rise of fortified citadels during ca. 1450 – 1000 B.C.E. and the beginning of urbanization and imperial conflict ca. 1000 – 800 B.C.E. First, I analyze subadult skeletal remains, focusing on cribra orbitalia, a stress marker that has been linked with a wide array of causes, including anemia, malaria, and parasite infection. Second, I consider the wider context of where these subadults were buried and how they may have lived, by analyzing, grave type, associated personal materials, and burial goods. A biocultural approach is applied to thread together the concepts of subadults in archaeology, mortuary practice, social status, age estimation, and skeletal stress. I analyzed 64 subadult skeletons from three contemporaneous skeletal samples from two archaeological sites: 5 from the cemetery context of Dinkha Tepe (1450 – 800 B.C.E.); 26 from the cemetery of Hasanlu (1450 – 800 B.C.E.); and 33 from the destruction level of Hasanlu (c. 800 B.C.E.). At the regional center of Hasanlu, a cemetery was located on the Low Mound outside of the fortified citadel whereas the subadults recovered from the destruction level had sought refuge on the High Mound during a military conflict. The cemetery at the smaller provincial town of Dinkha Tepe was likely located just outside of the town. Results indicate that the relationship between stress and social status as expressed in burial context, grave goods, and other material culture was complex. The cemetery context included more infants and children than adolescents, whereas the destruction level sample included more children and adolescents and fewer infants. Data showed cribra orbitalia was more frequent in the cemetery population at Hasanlu than in the destruction level or cemetery population at Dinkha Tepe. Cemetery burials do not appear to be segregated by age or elite status. Social status as assessed in this dissertation was not a mitigating factor for cribra orbitalia. Skeletal and archaeological data together present a more holistic picture than from either source independently.
There are few animal remains collections of Early Chalcolithic or Dalma in northwest Iran, yet a small part of them have been under zooarchaeological studies. Therefore, our knowledge about subsistence mechanisms and their possible patterns in Chalcolithic communities needs to be improved. This study on the vertebrate remains of Early Chalcolithic period in Tepe Silveh, Piranshahr, indicates multiple animal exploitation mechanisms in subsistence activities. The results show that, in the 5th millennium BC in this area, the subsistence economy was based on the exploitation of domesticated species such as Capra hircus, Ovis aries and Bos taurus. The largest set of animal remains found in Early Chalcolithic layers of this area is Ovis aries. A little evidence for the presence of wild animals such as Dama mesopotemica, Gazella subgutturosa, Testudines and Equidae has also been found. The less abundant bone remains of wild animals compared to domesticated animals, can indicate that hunting was probably less preferable than animal husbandry in the area. On the other hand, according to the time of death estimation, the cows were slaughtered in their adulthood and sheep in their pre-adulthood and adulthood. These multiple exploitation mechanisms can represent different ways of animal exploitations (as draft animals, their meat and secondary products), increasing of human skills in adapting to the environment and controlling animals, paleoclimate, as well as how the human population was balanced in the Northern Zagros ecosystem in the 5th millennium BC.
Qizlarqalasi Bonab stands as one of the pivotal fortresses from the Mannaean period in the Azarbaijan region. Situated to the south of Bonab city, it rests upon one of the satellite hills of Qara Qoshun Bonab Mountain on the western slope. This castle attained recognition as a National Monument of Iran on October 21, 2000, bearing registration number 3095. The initial study of Bonab's Qizlarqalasi was conducted by Mr. Stuart Swiny, who, in his article "Northwestern Iran" (1971), presented several surface pottery fragments from Qizlarqalasi. He underscored the castle's significance, likening its geographical placement to that of Ziwiye (Swiny 1971: 51). During the surface survey of Qizlarqalasi, fragments of first-millennium BC Mannaean and Urartian pottery were discovered. Among these findings, tulip-type pottery dating back to the Mannaean period emerged as a significant focus of the castle's surface review project, undergoing thorough study and analysis. Furthermore, various historical artifacts, including iron arrows, stone beads, metal objects, and ornaments, were collected from the slopes and historical site of Qizlarqalasi during the archaeological review.
According to historical evidence, during the Iron Age III period the southern shores of Lake Urmia were a place where many tribes lived, politically divided among small kingdoms whose political boundaries changed with the conflicts over the region between the regional powers of Assyria and Urartu. The Mahabad area, which despite its importance in archeological studies of Iron Age III, has been under-investigated. In April 2016, during the investigation of the central part of Mahabad city, a total of 24 areas dating to this period were identified. The most important questions of this study are: (1) What is the structure and extent of the Iron III settlements in the Mahabad plain, and (2) What kind of cultural exchanges and interactions took place between the different areas of the Mahabad plain with neighboring areas during this period? The results of these investigations show that these areas take three primary forms: a) areas with stone architecture, b) cemeteries, and c) settlement mounds. The typology of the ceramics recovered from this fieldwork suggests that the Mahabad plain had extra-regional cultural relations during this period, in addition to connections with the western regions of Iran.
اشیا به دست آمده از محوطه های باستانی، معمولاً از جنس مواد آلی و مواد معدنی هستند. اشیایی که بر پایه ی مواد آلی شکل داده شدهاند، موضوع اصلی این پژوهش بوده که ترکیبات آنها بر پایه ی کربن است. شمال غرب ایران در عصر آهن، یکی از مناطق مهمی است که این اشیا در آنها یافت شده و بیشترین داده های مرتبط با این اشیاء، در محوطه های استقراری این منطقه بوده است. با توجه به اهمیت این اشیا از نظر تکنیکی، کاربردی، تزئینی، تجاری و اقتصادی -اجتماعی، و تأثیر آنها در جامعه ی عصر آهن و زندگی مردمان آن دوره، این پژوهش در نظر دارد تا با بررسی آنها، به پرسش های ذیل پاسخ دهد که نقش و اهمیت تجارت فرامنطقه ای در ساخت و گسترش اشیاء ساخته شده از مواد آلی چه بوده است؟ و ساخت این اشیاء چه تأثیری در ساختار اقتصادی-اجتماعی آن دوره داشته است؟
در نتیجه این پژوهش که با استناد به منابع کتابخانه ای و روش تحلیلی صورت پذیرفته، اشیا ساخته شده از مواد آلی مانند صدف، عاج و برخی از انواع چوب ها، چه به صورت ماده خام، یا نیمه تولیدی یا محصول نهایی، توسط واسطه هایی تجاری مانند آشوری ها (از مسیر غرب به شرق)، و مردمانی در منطقه ی لرستان (از مسیر جنوب به شمال)، به منطقه ی شمال غرب وارد می شدند که نشان دهنده ی ارتباطات فرامنطقهای بین آنها است. البته احتمال وجود ارتباطات تجاری درون منطقهای بین حسنلو و دیگر محوطه های شمال غرب نیز، دور از ذهن نیست. همچنین احتمال انتقال فناوری به لحاظ تکنیکی و مشابهت نقوش با محوطه های دیگری در ایران (پشتکوه، فلات مرکزی) و خارج از ایران (بین النهرین، ترکیه و غیره) نیز وجود دارد. برخی اشیا نیز مانند عاج، صدف و برخی انواع چوب از کالاهای مصرفی افراد ثروتمند در جامعه بوده و برخی نیز مانند استخوان، صدف و چوب های موجود در منطقه مورد استفاده افراد ضعیف تر بوده است.
واژگان کلیدی: شمال غرب ایران، فرهنگ عصرآهن، مواد آلی، تجارت، اقتصاد.
Recent archaeological research has highlighted the potential role of mobile pastoral groups in the diffusion of raw materials and technological innovations between the Southern Caucasus and North‐western Iran from the Neolithic onwards. Two successive projects, PAST‐OBS and SCOPE, were designed to explore this hypothesis through the study of obsidian consumption patterns from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age, using a flexible analytical strategy that considerably extends the scale of obsidian studies in these regions. By focusing on the exploitation of obsidian at multiple levels—local, regional, and interregional—we hope to unravel the complexity of the obsidian networks under study. The aim of this paper is to present (i) a reassessment of the work so far carried out by previous obsidian studies, with a view to homogenising and to clarifying the nomenclature in use, and (ii) an introduction to the PAST‐OBS and SCOPE projects in order to initiate a discussion of our preliminary results.
The Iranian peoples, or Aryans as they called themselves, are the indisputable characters of the last millennium of the history of the Ancient Near East. How they began to take part in the history of Central Asia to become some of the most eminent rulers of Late Antiquity, is still difficult to follow today. Our intention in this paper is to collect the work on this subject of Soviet scholars and relate it with those carried out by archaeologists from different countries in cooperation with the Central Asian republics, particularly with our research within the frame- work of the Turkmen-Spanish archaeological Mission in Dahistan (Southwestern Turkmenistan). Through archaeological data, as well as through written sources, we will focus on the faunas that lived with these people, and put them in connection with the re-writing of the history of the so- called Median Empire.
