Mokhtarabad: a Solitaire Large Late Chalcolithic-Early Bronze Age Site in the Dasht-e Lut and its Implication for Understanding the Communication Networks

Dasht-e Lut (western edge of the Lut desert) presented an urbanized desertic landscape in the early Bronze Age. Previous investigations on the large early Bronze Age site of Shahdad, fully justified its definition as an advanced early urban center. In 2011, a reconnaissance archaeological survey was carried out along the western edge of the Lut Desert resulting in identification of 87 sites. During the survey, a large site (ca. 70 ha) was discovered at Mokhtarabad. This paper is intended to introduce the site and to bring to light its importance for the communication and trade network during Bronze Age in the Middle East.