Late Holocene relative sea‐level fluctuations and crustal mobility at Bataneh (Najirum) archaeological site, Persian Gulf, Iran

Research at the Sassanid–Islamic site of Bataneh (Najirum) reveals that relative sea-level (RSL) fluctuations and crustal mobility significantly influenced the development and decline of ancient harbors in the northern Persian Gulf. The study identifies three RSL oscillations during the late Holocene, correlating with eustatic sea-level changes, which correspond to shifts in maritime trade from Rishar to Apologus and later to Siraf. The findings suggest that uplift exposed Bataneh to flooding risks while modifying local watersheds for gypsum extraction, ultimately leading to its abandonment as trade shifted to Kish Island.

Pourkerman, M., Marriner, N., Morhange, C., Djamali, M., Lahijani, H., Amjadi, S., Vacchi, M., Jelodar, M. E., Spada, G., Tofighian, H., & Beni, A. N. (2021). Late Holocene relative sea‐level fluctuations and crustal mobility at Bataneh (Najirum) archaeological site, Persian Gulf, Iran. Geoarchaeology, 36(5), 740–754. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/gea.21860