The Bisotun–Madharan route: the reconstruction of a lost communication route in the southern part of the Bisotun–Sahneh plain

A significant historical communication route connecting Kermanshah, Bisotun, Madharan, Kangavar, and Nahavand was reconstructed through a comprehensive analysis of Islamic geographical texts, primarily from the 9th and 10th centuries, alongside archaeological evidence. The study identifies seven historical toponyms along the southern bank of the Gamasiab River in the Bisotun–Sahneh plain, shedding light on its importance during the early Islamic period, particularly due to extensive Sassanid construction projects, including roads, bridges, palaces, and mansions developed by later kings like Khosrow II. This research marks the first detailed investigation of this route, integrating textual, archaeological, topographical, and geographical data to localize key historical landmarks.

Rezaei, I. (2026). The Bisotun–Madharan route: the reconstruction of a lost communication route in the southern part of the Bisotun–Sahneh plain. Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society, 36(3), 649–666. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1356186325101223