Publications
The Ritual Landscape at Persepolis: Glyptic Imagery from the Persepolis Fortification and Treasury Archives
A new corpus of glyptic imagery from Persepolis reveals previously unpublished and visually complex representations of fire altars and temples, offering the most extensive, well-dated, and contextually rich evidence for understanding ritual practices and religious iconography in early Achaemenid Iran. This study provides a significant advancement in the field by analyzing impressions from administrative tablets dating between 509–457 BC, linking them to the reign of Darius I. The findings challenge traditional interpretations and contribute to the development of a religious topography for the Persepolis-Naqš-e Rostam region, bridging visual evidence with built environments.
Deep Learning and Transformer Models for Groundwater Level Prediction in the Marvdasht Plain: Protecting UNESCO Heritage Sites—Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rustam
A transformer-based deep learning model achieves high accuracy (R² = 0.83, RMSE = 6.15 m) in predicting groundwater levels and subsidence rates near UNESCO World Heritage Sites Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rustam, outperforming traditional deep learning methods by over 40%. The model integrates synthetic aperture radar data with hydrometeorological and biophysical parameters to quantify groundwater stress, revealing critical subsidence risks (exceeding 200 mm/year) that threaten Achaemenid stone reliefs. This approach provides a scalable framework for early-warning systems in heritage conservation, offering actionable insights for sustainable aquifer management.
Minero‐chemical and provenance analysis of Achaemenian lapis lazuli cylinders from Persepolis
Achaemenian lapis lazuli cylinders from Persepolis, dating to c. 550–330 BCE, were found to originate from the same or similar mines, likely located east of the Iranian Plateau in Badakhshan, Afghanistan. This conclusion was drawn through advanced mineralogical and chemical analysis techniques, including wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The study suggests that Persian artists utilized the ancient East-to-West trade route to source lapis lazuli for decorative objects, providing new insights into Achaemenian trade networks and material culture.
Trips to the King, Taxation, and the New Year in the Persepolis Fortification Archive
A new analysis of the Persepolis Fortification Archive reveals that trips to and from King Darius I's court peaked around the Persian New Year (509–493 BCE), especially for journeys involving distant regions. These trips were not only administrative but also served a symbolic purpose, reinforcing the unity of the heterogeneous Achaemenid Empire while facilitating tax collection. The study demonstrates that the New Year period was crucial for both the organization of imperial governance and the demonstration of imperial cohesion.
From the Field to the Bookshop. Shaping Persepolis in the Early 18th century
Early 18th-century travelers, including Jean Chardin, Engelbert Kaempfer, and Cornelis de Bruijn, faced significant challenges in accurately documenting Persepolis' monuments due to social, material, and environmental factors. Their fieldwork observations and subsequent transformations into published books and engravings were influenced by these conditions, leading to potential inaccuracies, particularly noted in de Bruijn's work. The study highlights how the unstable nature of Persepolis as an archaeological site and the travelers' efforts to represent it through mobile material supports compromised their claims to truth, revealing the complexities of early historical knowledge representation.
Integrity of the Cultural Landscape of Persepolis
Persepolis, the Royal Ensemble of the Achaemenid Empire, exemplifies a groundbreaking architectural language that symbolized imperial unity and cultural synthesis. Built from 521 to 486 BCE by Darius I, its design—characterized by sacred square forms, proportional systems, and intricate bas-reliefs—set a precedent for Persian architecture that endured through centuries. The site's integrity as a World Heritage property hinges on its territorial context in Fars, Iran, where Achaemenid elements, including the Royal Terrace at the foot of Mehr Mountain and nearby tombs, contribute to its historical significance. This study evaluates the cultural landscape's integrity by analyzing its original urban plan, architectural motifs, and the enduring influence of Persepolitan design on subsequent Persian architecture, while also considering the site's destruction by Alexander the Great in 330 BCE.
The field monitoring of influential biodeteriogenic agents on the historic rock surfaces in Persepolis-UNESCO World Heritage Site
A study at Persepolis identified key biodeteriogenic agents that threaten the historic rock surfaces. These agents, which include biological and environmental factors, were found to significantly contribute to the deterioration of the site's archaeological features. The research employed field monitoring techniques to assess the impact of these agents over time, providing critical insights into their role in the degradation process. This work highlights the urgent need for targeted conservation strategies to protect this culturally significant landmark from further damage.
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