The Archaeological Capacity of the Eastern (Lower) Zāyandeh-Rud Basin: An Outline

Since 2018, Art University of Isfahan’s Department of Archeology has focused on the Zāyandehrud River basin, particularly its eastern and western parts, to better understand the archaeological landscape of the region and its changes through time. Field studies in the eastern part of the basin near Varzaneh have identified large numbers of new sites from different periods. Due to its geographical location at the center of Iran, the region could act as a hub between the four corners of the Iranian plateau in different periods. The similarities between the material cultures from the studied region and those from other parts of the Iranian plateau, particularly during the Early Bronze Age (EBA), also bear witness to the linking character of the region. The identification of over 200 sites spanning the EBA to the Timurid period and excavations at two EBA (013, 051) and a probable Iron Age site (006) indicates an auspicious environment and prosperity at the time for the lower part of the Zāyandeh-Rud basin, which today has been transformed into a desert or semi-desert landscape. The diversity of sites, including settlements, cemeteries, and architectural remains, as well as evidence of industrial activities such as pottery production, mining, metallurgical activities, and production of semi-precious stone artifacts, highlight different aspects of human life in the surveyed area.