Socio-Economic Transformations in the Tehran Plain: Final Season of Settlement Survey and Excavations at Tepe Pardis

Abstract

Two further seasons of excavations at Tepe Pardis and survey in the Tehran Plain were undertaken in 2006 and 2007. The former exposed over 70 square metres of mudbrick structures dating to the Transitional Chalcolithic, including five kilns. The presence of these kilns, in association with a terracotta slow wheel, confirms the presence of a highly specialised production site. We have also confirmed the presence of kiln debris on the southern side of the mound, suggesting that the industrial zone encapsulated much of the mound. The importance of Tepe Pardis was further confirmed by the discovery of a badly damaged Iron Age cemetery to the north of the main site. Our geoarchaeological exploration of the quarry continued with the logging of a number of large natural water courses, enhancing our understanding of Tepe Pardis' ancient landscape. Finally, a further season of settlement survey was undertaken at the edge of the desert south-east of Pishva.