Publications
Analyses of Cultural Materials from the Neolithic and Chalcolithic Periods at the Qela Zeka Site in Khorram Abad County, Lorestan
A significant discovery of cultural materials from the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods at the Qela Zeka site in Khorram Abad County, Lorestan, sheds new light on the transition between these eras. The study reveals a rich archaeological record, including artifacts that provide insights into the social, economic, and technological advancements of the time. Researchers employed comprehensive analytical techniques to examine these materials, uncovering evidence of early agricultural practices, craftsmanship, and trade networks. This finding enhances our understanding of the cultural evolution in the Khorramabad Valley, contributing valuable data to the broader study of prehistoric human development in the region.
Evidence of diverse animal exploitation during the Middle Paleolithic at Ghar-e Boof (southern Zagros)
Middle Paleolithic hominins in the Zagros Mountains of Iran exhibited more diverse hunting behaviors than previously documented, with evidence suggesting they exploited not only ungulates—particularly wild goats—but also carnivores and tortoises. This finding challenges the long-held assumption that their diets were predominantly limited to large prey due to environmental constraints or research bias. The study, conducted at Ghar-e Boof (dated to ∼81-45 kyr), employed comprehensive taphonomic analysis of a Late Pleistocene faunal assemblage, identifying anthropogenic bone surface modifications that confirm hominins as the primary agents of accumulation. While small game constituted a minor portion of their diet, this research reveals a broader dietary strategy akin to patterns observed elsewhere in Eurasia during this period.
The Chronology of the Archaeological surface remains of Tepe Pa-Chogha, Central Zagros (Kermanshah, Iran)
A systematic survey of the Sarfirouzabad plain in Kermanshah, Iran, revealed 332 archaeological sites spanning from Late Chalcolithic to Islamic periods, significantly expanding knowledge of the region's history. Tepe Pa-Chogha, identified as the largest tell site in the area, contains surface remains including pottery and stone tools that provide crucial chronological insights into the Central Zagros. The study, conducted by a team from the University of Tehran in 2009, used transect walking at 20-meter intervals to map sites while assessing ecological and environmental factors influencing their distribution. However, Tepe Pa-Chogha is now threatened by the expansion of Pa-Chogha village, highlighting the urgency for its preservation.
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