Transportation in North East of the Iranian Plateau in Bronze Age

Abstract

Northeast of Iran has been of crucial importance compared to other areas due to important routes crossing it. From the perspective of archaeologists, the expansion of regional and trans-regional trade exchanges is an evidence of Bronze Age in Iran. Resistive animals in land trade are of crucial importance. Chariots and wheeled vehicles were important transportation means in Bronze Age. Wheeled chariots became prevalent in the north east of Iran and four-wheeled chariots replaced two-wheeled ones over time. At first, they were drawn by cow power, but then animals like camels and equids replaced cows. Considering the importance of adequate and appropriate means of transporting goods and trade materials in one hand, and the strategic and special role of the northeast of the Iranian Plateau, on the other hand, this paper attempts to study and recognize transportation means used in this area in Bronze Age, using archaeological documents and data.