Publications
Substrate Preferences of Ruderal Plants in Colonizing Stone Monuments of the Pasargadae World Heritage Site, Iran
Plant colonization on archaeological structures is significantly influenced by substrate conditions, including stone typology and microsite characteristics. A study at the Pasargadae World Heritage Site revealed that porosity and weathering of limestone, along with specific microsites like junctions between stone blocks (M1a) and large fractures covered by soil (M3), create highly favorable conditions for plant establishment. These areas require periodic monitoring due to their high risk of biodeterioration. The research assessed 142 ruderal plants across nine monuments, two types of stones, and eight microsites, demonstrating that substrate preferences play a crucial role in species composition, diversity, and richness. This insight is pivotal for integrating ecological considerations into the management plans of archaeological sites.
Characterization and damage assessment of stones used in the Pasargadae World Heritage Site, Achaemenian period
Research at Pasargadae, an Achaemenian period UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals that the site's architectural stones—previously classified by color (beige, dark-gray, and green-gray)—are distinct limestones with varying textures. Two types exhibit a compact structure, while the third is notably porous. Petrochemical analysis identified dolomite in some beige stone samples, though no salt was detected as a potential decay factor. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) pinpointed calcite crystal dissolution as a primary cause of deterioration in dark-gray and green-gray stones. These findings provide critical insights for tailoring conservation strategies to preserve Pasargadae's historic integrity.
Mineralogical–Geochemical Characterization and Provenance of the Stones Used at the Pasargadae Complex in Iran: A New Perspective
A new study reveals the provenance of stones used in the construction of Pasargadae, Iran's ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site, dating back to 550–330 BCE. Researchers identified Abolverdi quarry as the source for light limestone, particularly in Cyrus the Great's tomb, while Ahmad-Beigi and Sarpaniran outcrops supplied dark limestone. Using mineralogical and geochemical analysis—including optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, ICP-MS, and XRF—the team distinguished stone sources based on Sr/Fe ratios and rare-earth element concentrations. Principal component analysis confirmed these findings, offering fresh insights into the sophisticated stonework techniques of ancient Persian architecture.
Picturing Pasargadae: Visual Representation and the Ambiguities of Heritage in Iran
A systematic analysis of publicly available online images of Pasargadae, a UNESCO World Heritage site in southern Iran, reveals that visual representations of the site foster a sense of intimacy and common ground for pre-Islamic heritage. This intimacy serves as both a meeting point and a contested space for Iranian state and society in shaping versions of national identity. The study highlights the complex relationship between visual depictions and visitation practices at Pasargadae, offering insights into the peculiarities of heritage representation in Iran.
Painted plaster and glazed brick fragments from Achaemenid Pasargadae and Persepolis, Iran
Achaemenid artisans employed diverse materials and techniques to achieve polychromatic finishes in their architecture, as revealed by the analysis of painted plaster and glazed brick fragments from Pasargadae and Persepolis. The study identified up to five layers of paint on Pasargadae plaster, including pigments like Egyptian blue, malachite green, red ocher, and cinnabar red, while Persepolis floor fragments featured lime plaster with hematite-rich paint layers. Glazed bricks from Persepolis were found to be composed of high-silica material similar to faience, decorated with alkaline glazes containing lead antimonate, magnesium-iron, and copper. The research used non-invasive X-ray fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy to examine the fragments' layering stratigraphy and composition, providing insights into Achaemenid material technology and informing long-term preservation efforts.
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