Nearby Settlements Research Articles

<i>Rhyta </i>and <i>kernoi </i>from the Domasław cemetery

Unique ceremonial vessels such as rhyta, kernoi and pseudokernoi were discovered in a cemetery from the Early Iron Age in Domasław (Poland). The appearance of such vessels proves that the societies of the Hallstatt culture adopted cultural ideas, feasting and drinking practises and offerings from the Mediterranean world. GC-MS analyses were carried out on five vessels and compared with pottery from the Domasław cemetery (74 samples) and the nearby settlement of Milejowice (46 samples). The investigations show that the examined vessels probably contained ceremonial drinks and liquids used for offerings and libations during funeral ceremonies.

From Radar Sensor to Floating Car Data: Evaluating Speed Distribution Heterogeneity on Rural Road Segments Using Non-Parametric Similarity Measures

Rural roads, often characterized by winding paths and nearby settlements, feature frequent curvature changes, junctions, and closely spaced private accesses that lead to significant speed variations. These variations are typically represented by average speed or v85 profiles. This paper examines complete speed distributions along rural two-lane roads using Floating Car Data (FCD). The Wasserstein distance, a non-parametric similarity measure, is employed to compare speed distributions recorded by a radar Control Unit (CU) and a selected FCD sample. Initially, FCD speeds were validated against CU speeds. Subsequently, differences in speed distributions between the CU location and specific sections identified by sharp curves, intersections, or accesses have been assessed. The Wasserstein Distance is proposed as the most effective synthetic indicator of speed distribution variability along roadways, attributed to its metric properties. This measure offers a more concise and immediate assessment compared to an extensive array of statistical metrics, such as mean, median, mode, variance, percentiles, v85, interquartile range, kurtosis, and symmetry, as well as qualitative assessments derived from box plot trends.

Resonance modeling of the tsunami caused by the Aegean Sea Earthquake (Mw7.0) of October 30, 2020

The resonance of tsunami waves in semi-enclosed bays is paramount in understanding and mitigating the impact of seismic events on coastal communities. Semi-enclosed bays, characterized by their partial enclosure, can amplify the effects of incoming tsunami waves due to resonance behavior, where the natural frequencies of the bay correspond to those of the incoming waves. This resonance phenomenon can significantly increase wave height and inundation levels, posing an increased risk to nearby settlements and infrastructure. Understanding the resonance patterns in these bays is crucial for accurate hazard assessment, early warning systems, and effective disaster preparedness and response strategies. On October 30, 2020, an earthquake occurred between the Turkish Bay of Seferihisar Bay and the Greek island of Samos in the Aegean Sea. Long waves generated by the normal-faulting earthquake caused notable damage to settlements within Seferihisar Bay and the north coast of Samos Island. According to the measurements of the Syros mareograph stations, the wave heights were between 2 and 20 cm and wave periods between 9 and 20 seconds. Based on on-site survey reports conducted after the earthquake, inundation was reported in six settlements within Seferihisar Bay. However, inundation was notably higher in Sığacık and Akarca, reaching 2–3 times higher than in other locations, and the water level reached 2 m high. Given that the variance in inundation levels is attributed to resonance phenomena in Sığacık and Akarca rather than the propagation of tsunami waves, this study focused on conducting wave resonance modeling in Seferihisar Bay. The resonance modeling was performed using the RIDE wave model. Furthermore, the research has been expanded to assess the resonance patterns that might emerge in the event of an alternative earthquake or underwater landslide along the fault line responsible for the seismic event, encompassing wave periods ranging from T = 1–9 minutes and T = 20–30 minutes. Modeling results revealed that on the day of the earthquake, wave heights in Sığacık Marina and Akarca surged by 8.5 times in comparison to the wave height at the epicenter. This increase is notably higher, ranging from 2 to 2.5 times, compared to calculations made for other locations (Demircili, Altınköy, and Tepecik). Consequently, it was concluded that one of the reasons for the heightened effectiveness of inundation in Sığacık and Akarca was attributable to resonance. Moreover, supplementary investigations have indicated that waves with a period of T<9 minutes will pose higher risks for Demircili, Altınköy, Sığacık Marina, and Tepecik compared to the day of the earthquake. By comprehensively studying wave resonance in semi-enclosed bays, researchers and policymakers can better anticipate the potential impact of tsunami events and take measures to protect coastal communities, ultimately increasing resilience and reducing the loss of life and property in vulnerable regions.

Stone axes throw new light on Baltic stone age mortuary rites

Despite their ubiquity, Mesolithic lithic tools given as funerary offerings have rarely been studied in detail. Whereas personal ornaments (e.g. beads, pendants) are commonly interpreted as markers of social identity and status, archaeologists have struggled to understand the stone tools, commonly regarded as “utilitarian” items. As a result, this class of grave goods has not received the same level of attention, leaving a significant gap in our understanding of Mesolithic mortuary behaviours. Our research challenges long-lasting perceptions of lithic tools as strictly utilitarian objects and draws on studies of one of the most substantial stone axe funerary collections from one of the largest Stone Age cemeteries in Europe–Zvejnieki, Latvia. Evidence suggests the selection of unused axes as grave offerings, while unusual wear traces on an axe found in a female grave (no 57) raises questions about its use in the burial rites. Using a multi-proxy approach, we compare life histories of axes placed in burials to those recovered from contemporary, nearby settlement contexts. Finally, a strong correlation between axes and women and children at Zvejnieki challenges gendered stereotypes of stone tools, historically regarded as possessions of the adult male members of Stone Age societies.

A comparative approach to GIS modelling of terrestrial mobility in archaeological sites. The iron age hillfort of Villasviejas del Tamuja as a study case

The archaeological analysis of Historical mobility is an increasingly studied topic thanks to new geographic information technologies. This paper proposes a modelling exercise of the spatial behaviour of a Second Iron Age community in the Middle Tagus Valley: the hillfort of Villasviejas del Tamuja (Botija, Cáceres). Based on our knowledge of the configuration of the site and the surrounding settlements, we propose a heuristic use of a series of GIS tools to understand how the spatial relationship between both elements was structured. More specifically, we compare the results obtained with different calculation methods that combine two essential variables to address this issue: mobility and visibility relations. On the one hand, we evaluate the results with the application of an already developed methodology: the MADO analysis. On the other hand, we present a complementary procedure for the calculation of Least Cost Paths (LCP), considering the visibility as a key element in the mobility. The methodology uses the same data, in a paradigmatic case study for comparing results. The differences obtained through the use of different tools are thus evaluated in order to weigh up the additional or complementary knowledge that they can provide us with to investigate archaeological research questions such as the defensive architecture of the hillfort or the distribution of other nearby settlements.

Determination of metals in water samples within the irrigation area in Telo District, Kaffa Zone, South Western Ethiopia

Water contamination due to the accumulation of metal is not only an environmental problem, but it is also a global issue. The river flows alongside the town in its downward direction, where runoff from the uplands and municipal trash discharge during floods may contribute to the contamination of the river. Despite the fact that this river is the area's primary source of water, the water near the effluent release point is extremely corrosive. The nearby settlements depend on this untreated river water for drinking, irrigation, and other domestic uses since they have no access to a municipal water supply. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the degree of metal contamination in the Obasho river water samples collected from irrigation water sites in the Gurguba region. Three samples were collected from each of four irrigation water sites, which were 1.5 km away from each other. A total of 12 water samples were collected by following the standard water sample collection protocol. 100 mL of the irrigation water sample was digested in aquaragia, and AAS was used to determine the concentration of metals in the water samples. The concentration ranges of some metals were: Ca (1.84387–2.810824 mg/L), and its maximum limit in FAO is 20.0 mg/L; Mg (3.176942–4.543031 mg/L), and its maximum limit in FAO is 5.0 mg/L; Cr (0.039227–0.047872 mg/L), and its WHO/FAO permissible level is 0.1 mg/L; Co (0.036703–0.057218 mg/L), and its permissibility level is 0.05 mg/L WHO/FAO, Cd (0.006198–0.02856 mg/L), whose maximum limit in FAO is 0.01 mg/L, and Pb (0.065138–0.091131 mg/L) WHO/FAO permissible level is 5.0 mg/L. The mean concentrations of metals (Ca, Mg, Co, Cd, Pb, and Cr) in all study sites were below the regulatory limits except for Co and Cd; no water contamination was caused by these metals at the study sites. However, the mean concentration levels of Co in all study sites were above regulatory limits. The mean concentration of Co at Konit Kochito and Cd at Geremew Mamo, Konit Kochito, and Gereno Gebito is also greater than regulatory limits. A pair-wise comparison of some metals in study sites was carried out, thus the mean concentration of the irrigation water sites sample was significantly different from some metal concentration (p < 0.05) at the 95% confidence level. Generally, there was no cumulative effect of water contamination caused by Ca, Mg, Co, Cd, Pb, and Cr in Gurguba Kebele study sites, and it may not appear to pose very serious environmental problems at this moment. Thus, determining the metal content in irrigation water samples is crucial for ensuring the safety and sustainability of agricultural practices. It raises awareness regarding the contents of heavy metal contamination and sets limits for acceptable metal concentrations. It has also vital role in maintaining soil health.

Triple Micro Optical Multiple Asymmetric Ring Resonator Performance Analysis as Optical Filter

The present article implements the modelling of triple asymmetrical optical micro ring resonator (TAOMRR) in z-domain and the waveguide spacing is designed using Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) methodology. The formulation of the transmission function is prepared in z-domain utilizing the delay line signal processing technique. The developed configuration is scrutinized by evaluating the frequency response analysis as well as various important characteristics that are dispersion, group delay, and finesse using MATLAB software. The efficacy of the proposed methodology is tested using OptiFDTD software and it is found that the results of both MATLAB and OptiFDTD are in very nearby settlement. The field analysis of propagated wave inside the microring resonator is shown. The specific gap for various optical directional couplers is also determined using OptiFDTD in this article. The proposed technique is very useful for modeling and analyzing of different configurations of micro optical asymmetric ring resonator which found great application in the field of optical filters as well as optical sensors.

Qlaʿ: A Royal Oil- and Wine-Production Centre in the Kingdom of Israel

Salvage excavations at Qlaʿ, a small fortified Iron IIB site in the southwestern Samaria Highlands, conducted in 1980, revealed several stone-built structures, numerous rock-cut olive-oil extracting installations and two large wine presses. In this article we present the main findings from this investigation, discuss technological and economic aspects of local production and evaluate the probability of royal ownership. In our opinion, the features of this site and other nearby settlements indicate that it was one of the royal production centres of the Kingdom of Israel in the 8th century BCE. The finds uncovered at the site showcase a unique attempt of transformation from a simple subsistence economy into a surplus production, profit-oriented, ‘market’ economy. This process was initiated and led by the central government in Samaria and probably provided economic prosperity and political strength in the days of Jeroboam II (786–746 BCE). Olive oil and wine were produced at Qlaʿ continuously until the very last days of the Kingdom of Israel.

Соціальні та економічні параметри формування плану сталої міської мобільності Тернопільської міської територіальної громади

The process of urbanization promotes an increase in the population density of territories, which has significant consequences for the formation of the living environment of residents of cities and nearby settlements, and is an important factor in the socio-economic development of society. At the same time, the growth of population concentration in cities leads to a rapid increase in the need for movement and an increase in the number of vehicles. Facing the choice of strategic directions for the development of settlements, which would allow overcoming the existing challenges of transportation. The article is devoted to the analysis of the social and economic parameters of the formation of the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SMM) of the Ternopil urban territorial community. The study examines key aspects of community development, including demographic trends, employment rates, economic performance and social infrastructure. A forecast of the development of the economic complex of the Ternopil MTG was made separately for the city of Ternopil and villages. According to the current urban planning documentation of the Ternopil MTG, the main directions of development of the community's economic complex and prospects for the distribution of the working-age population by types of economic activity were determined. The distribution of the population of Ternopil MTG by age and gender was analyzed. The main challenges and opportunities facing the community are identified, and strategic approaches to improving the quality of life of residents and increasing the community's competitiveness at the regional level are proposed. The measures proposed within the framework of PSMM are aimed not only at the development of infrastructural support of the community's transport system, but also at the organization of the use of urban space in accordance with the mobility needs of all population groups, improving the quality of data collection necessary for analysis, capacity development and promotion of sustainable modes of movement.

Полевые тефростратиграфические работы на о. Итуруп (Южные Курильские острова) в 2024 г.

The report presents the results of the fieldwork (July 2024) aimed at studying the traces of prehistoric ashfalls in the city of Kurilsk and nearby settlements: the villages of Kitovy, Rybaki, and Reydovo (Iturup, South Kuril Islands). The work was traditionally based on tephrostratigraphic studies, during which the sections of the soil-pyroclastic cover were studied. In total, more than 10 sections were studied. The materials obtained during the fieldwork, after carrying out radiocarbon dating and material composition studies, will be used in further regional studies on young volcanism of the South Kuril Islands, as well as in studies on assessing volcanic hazard and volcanic zoning.

Vostok Bay: interseasonal changes in hydrological, hydrochemical and microbiological properties

Current ecological state of the Vostok Bay (Peter the Great Bay, Japan Sea) in spring, summer, and autumn seasons is described on the data of CTD profiling, chemical analysis of the water sampled at the sea surface and bottom, and microbial indication of the surface water. Strong seasonal variations are revealed for all examined parameters, driven by monsoon cycle. The winter monsoon in autumn with northwestern wind predominance causes the river runoff weakening and off-shore surge with the water removal from the top of the bay and the compensating inflow along the eastern coast distinguished by heightened values of salinity and dissolved oxygen and low values of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5 &lt; 1 mg/L). The summer monsoon in spring and summer with southeastern winds increases the river runoff and simultaneously the inflow of fresh water from the open sea, so causes a sharp difference in the water properties between parts of the Vostok Bay. Bioproductivity increases in these seasons that is reflected in increasing of BOD5 (up to 2 mg/L and sometimes more) and organic phosphorus concentration (up to 50 μg/L and more). In July, when the river runoff is blocked in the northwestern sector of the bay by onshore surge, the maximum number of bacteria is recorded there (up to 105 CFU/mL), including Escherichia coli group at all coastal stations in concentrations of 10–100 CFU/mL, which are not observed in the central and open parts of the bay. Among the groups of metal-resistant microorganisms, relative abundance of nickel-resistant bacteria is noted (up to 103 CFU/mL) that is a sign of hydrocarbon fuels combustion. The hydrocarbon pollution is confirmed by ubiquitous distribution of oil-oxidizing and diesel-resistant microorganisms detected mostly (up to 2.8 ∙ 104 CFU/mL in summer) in the northern part of the bay. Generally, the internal northern part of the bay is distinguished by high abundance of microorganisms belonged to different ecological and trophic groups, because of mutual impacts of the rivers, the coastal highway, nearby settlements, and sandy beaches occupied by vacationers in summer.

Using river restoration model to control riverbank erosion in the Old Brahmaputra river of Bengal Basin, Bangladesh

River meandering causes riverbank erosion, which triggers socioeconomic and environmental issues in the riparian region and raises river sedimentation, thus, needing river restoration. This research depicts a channel restoration model to control river bank erosion and susceptible resource management along the Old Brahmaputra River course based on channel characteristics from 1980 to 2021. The secondary data of Landsat satellite time series and SRTM images were collected from the USGS website, while we used Google Earth images to verify the morphological features. Satellite images were on-screen visualized by ArcMap (10.3) to extract the river channels and measure the erosion and accretion areas. Results showed that the Old Brahmaputra River channel shifted its position due to erosion and accretion. Over the last forty-one years, ∼ 52 km2 area was eroded while ∼ 49 km2 area was accreted, and the average shifting of the river channel was 1.3 km2 per year. Accordingly, the river channel has become more sinuous decade by decade and threatens nearby settlements. Hence, this study proposed a river channel based on previous river channels, where the base channel is from the 2000s, which was more stable and flowed through the middle of the floodplain. Parts of the 1980, 2000, and 2021 river channels were also selected, which are relatively far from the susceptible settlements, to draw the proposed restoring channel. This model is likely to aid in developing government strategies for protecting riverbank erosion and river restoration in the forthcoming period. Finally, this study recommends that this newly proposed channel will be conducive to reducing riverbank erosion and the extreme threat to the settlements and their livelihoods.

Assessment of Some Nutrient Contents and Heavy Metal Accumulation in Some Wild Edible Mushrooms in Türkiye

In this study, it was aimed to identify mushrooms gathered from two different regions and localities of Türkiye and to determine their heavy metal and nutrient contents. Four of the mushrooms (Coprinus comatus (O.F. Müll.) Pers, Cantharellus cibarius Fr., Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.) P. Kumm. and Lactarius glyciosmus (Fr.) Fr.) from nearby settlements, while the others (Hydnum repandum L., Pleurotus eryngii (DC.) Quél and Lactarius delicious (L.) Gray)) were collected from rural areas. All species have known and consume by local peoples. All identified species were given along with their trophic status, habitats, locations, Turkish names and edibility. Concentrations of elements were determined based on dry weight. The analysis of samples indicated that different result obtained from mushrooms. As (nd, 1.5-17.43), Ba (1.48-10.81), Cd (nd, 1.4-43.46), Co (nd, 12.0- 42.79), Cr (nd, 5.0-14.92), Cu (12.95-143.45), K (nd, 30085- 52680), Mg (nd, 5056-5955.9), Mn (52.45- 187.25), Mo (nd, 1.22-57.53), Ni (43.46-565), Pb (318.9-1483.5), Sb (nd, 0.14-4.12), Si (nd, 3.18-87.83), Ti (20.32-302.2), V (67.66-102.3), Zn (1026.8-2422.0), Ca (411.5 -2077), Na (752.5-2105.5) and Fe (470.5-1093.5) were determined and the elements studied were given in mg/kg. As a result, it was determined that C. comatus, H. repandum, C. cibarius and P. eryngii had the lowest content of heavy metals and P. ostreus had the highest value in terms of calcium and magnesium contents. Therefore, it has been determined that these mushroom species may have important beneficial effects to human health. It is thought that it can be used as a source in future studies.

Living on the edge(s). Settlement revival in the Sacharewo microregion (Białowieża Forest, E Poland) during the Iron Age and Roman Period (1st c. BC/1st c. AD – 5th/6th c. AD)

Abstract The article presents the results of research carried out at Sacharewo in the Białowieża Forest, involving excavations of a barrow cemetery associated with the Roman Period and the nearby settlement, which delivered finds from the Early Bronze Age, the Iron Age, the Roman Period and the Modern Period. Noteworthy was a significant amount of material from the Iron Age and the Roman Period, linked with the Hatched Pottery and Wielbark cultures, possibly indicating a certain revival of settlement in that area between the turn of the eras and the 5th/6th century AD. Thanks to the analysis of airborne laser scanning data, it was also possible to identify a complex of ancient arable fields in the surroundings of the barrow cemetery. The excavations were conducted along with sampling for geoarchaeological and archaeobotanical analyses. A significant pool of 14C dates was also collected. The studies idientified the remains of a stable and continuous (though not very developed and intensive) settlement on the left side of the Leśna River, a barrow cemetery and a field system, possibly used at the same time. This microregion functioned in the first centuries AD, although materials linked to the early Middle Ages were also found. At this stage, however, it is not possible to determine their continuity with finds from the Roman Period. The discoveries also provide an insight into the external cultural influences on the area during the Roman Period. The conducted research complements other recent findings from the Białowieża Forest, which, given its primeval nature and the limited role of human activity during past centuries, is an excellent area for further investigations of settlement and economy patterns from different periods.

Tracing the footprints of Arctic pollution: Spatial variations in toxic and essential elements in Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus) faeces

The Arctic is an accumulation zone of long-range transported pollution. In addition, local anthropogenic activities further contribute to regional pollution levels. The Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus) is a suitable organism for studying and monitoring exposure to anthropogenic pollutants at the base of the terrestrial Arctic food web, and reindeer faeces have been promoted as non-invasive means of biomonitoring contaminant exposure. This study used HR-ICP-MS to analyse levels and composition of 16 elements in Svalbard reindeer faeces (n = 96) and soil (n = 9) from two locations on Svalbard, with the aim to assess whether local anthropogenic pollution influences element bioavailability. One of the sampling areas, the Nordenskiöld coast, is situated on the west coast of Spitsbergen, close to the Arctic Ocean and relatively far from local anthropogenic sources. The other sampling area, Adventdalen, is located further inland and close to Longyearbyen, the largest settlement of the archipelago. There was a significant difference in faecal elemental concentration and composition between the Adventdalen and Nordenskiöld coast reindeer populations. Elements of geogenic origin (e.g., Al, Cu and Fe) were found at higher levels in faeces from Adventdalen. In comparison, levels of Ca, Se and the toxic elements Cd and Pb were higher in faecal samples from the Nordenskiöld coast. The significantly higher levels of faecal Cd and Pb at Nordenskiöld coast may be due to marine input, dietary differences between the populations, or possible anthropogenic influence from the nearby settlement of Barentsburg. There was, however, a decoupling in elemental composition between faecal and soil samples, which may derive from a selective vegetational uptake of elements from the soil. The results suggest that reindeer are exposed to a range of elements and that faeces can be used to monitor the exposure to bioavailable environmental levels of both essential and toxic elements in terrestrial ecosystems.

Moving metals V: The question of shared copper sources between Scandinavia and Hungary 1700–1500 BC

The remarkable typological parallels between Carpathian and Scandinavian metalwork, especially from around 1700 to 1500 BC, have long been stressed as evidence that the Carpathian tell communities supplied the Scandinavians with copper. Thus, this study's main objective was to investigate if Bronze Age societies in Scandinavia and the Carpathian basin utilized the same copper sources. To test this hypothesis, analyses, comprising lead isotopes and trace elements, were executed on bronzes from Scandinavia and Hungary. In the current study, the Hungarian data set of 31 artefacts from the famous Százhalombatta hoard and its nearby settlement, is in detail compared to 62 Scandinavian artefacts of various types. The outcome points to that Scandinavia and Hungary partly shared copper sources between 1700 and 1500 BC. The most potential sources are the ones from the Slovak Ore Mountains and Mitterberg in Austria. However, the Scandinavian artefacts from this period also show consistency with additional copper sources, such as Great Orme in Wales and in the Italian Alps. The findings of this study support both the traditional theory, which stated that metal supplies and metalworking traditions were closely related, and the more recent insight, which suggests that style and content may have entirely separate origins. As a result, the intricacy of the production, exchange, and consumption patterns of metal throughout Bronze Age Europe cannot be explained by a simple model that equates stylistic influence and metal suppliers.

A case study on the variability of the coefficient of consolidation and its design reliability

The consolidation characteristics of cohesive soils are estimated using established relationships between the coefficient of consolidation (cv) and index tests, as well as laboratory oedometer tests. While the design cv is preferred from the field dissipation tests, the conversion from a horizontal to vertical value needs to be considered. A trial load was used to verify the consolidation parameters during a Queensland Road upgrade, which involved both road widening and raising of the existing embankments over compressible soils. Construction was done in 4 stages, and with preloading and surcharging in selected areas. Settlement monitoring and Asaoka plots were used to validate the design, and “moderately conservative” design values were adopted. This case study is used to show the large variability of the cv by the various test methods. While 99% of the site settlement was within the magnitude and time predicted during design, a 25 m length was not consistent with the data and performance of the rest of this site within the flood plain. The back-calculated cv was below the lowest test value and even data from nearby settlement plate monitoring from adjacent stages. In situ tests were located within 25m of this unconforming area and given that stratigraphy was consistent then the cv value adopted may not be representative. The lessons learnt show the various verification and validation process required to envelope risks, but all conditions with a “moderately conservative” design may not be covered.

Neolithic Traditions on the Northern Periphery of the Dalmatepe Culture

The purpose of the study is to reveal the factors that determine the features of the Neolithic-Chalcolithic transition in the South Caucasus and the spread of the Dalmatepe culture in the region during this period.&#x0D; The novelty of this study lies in the confirmation of the Neolithic traditions of Azerbaijan in the Nakhchivantepe layer of the Dalmatepe period, as well as the identification of the boundaries and distinctive features of the northern periphery of the Dalmatepe culture.&#x0D; The results of the study indicate that Nakhchivantepe was the main center of Dalmatepe culture in the South Caucasus. Pottery samples found in the nearby settlements of Uchan Agyl, Uzunoba, Bülovgaya, as well as in the settlement of Godedzor on the territory of Zangazur, make it possible to include the Nakhchivanchay river valley and the Zangazur ridge in the northern periphery of the Dalmatepe culture.&#x0D; The settlement of Nakhchivantepe is the main center of this periphery and demonstrates a transition from the Neolithic to the Chalcolithic culture in its stratigraphy. The pottery found in the settlement is divided into four main categories: simple chaff-tempered pottery, surface-manipulated pottery, red-slipped pottery, and painted pottery.&#x0D; Simple chaff-tempered pottery (Group I) reflects the characteristics of the Kültepe culture (6372-5200), which appeared in the Neolithic period in the Nakhchivanchay valley. Neolithic traditions are also traced in the typology of simple ceramic vessels. Other groups of ceramics (II-IV) are similar to the materials typical for the Dalmatepe culture sites. However, in contrast to the south, ceramics with surface-manipulated ornaments are even more ancient on the northern periphery of the Dalmatepe culture. Some of the specimens are similar to the surface-manipulated ceramics of the Late Neolithic sites of Mil-Karabakh. The findings of this study confirmed the influence of the Azerbaijani Neolithic cultures on the Dalmatepe culture and identified the factors responsible for its spread.

Letter of Consent of the Goat’s Hair Processing Guild in Tarnovo, November 6, 1872

The consent letter of Goat’s Hair Processing Guild in Tarnovo dated back in November 6, 1872 is a contract (agreement) between the members of the governing body, attached with their signatures, seals and fingerprints for compliance with certain clauses, as an integral part of the statute (law) and the rules of the corporate organization. The analysis of the preserved manuscript texts in Bulgarian answers a number of questions related to the social status and property status of the representatives of the guild of Goat’s hair processing, the level of education and literacy, the membership and the participation of master craftsmen from nearby settlements in the association. In a comparative analysis with other documents from an earlier and/or later historical period, a repetition of the names of some of the Tarnovo craft’s men(mutafchii) – participants in the board of directors, is noticeable. They are represented in various incarnations as benefactors, wealthy merchants or members of the municipal council. The graphic prints of the personal and official seals on the document, their technical parameters and artistic analysis cast new light on the biographies of their holders before 1872. The collected historical information about the activities of the goat’s-hair rugs makers’ guild in Tarnovo in 1872 – extracted from the document, is systematized and analyzed in separate annexes. These include facsimiles, a list of members of the governing body and a catalogue of the official and personal seals.

Active seismogenic faulting in the Tehran Region, north of Iran; state-of-the-art and future seismic hazard assessment prospects

This study summarizes the state-of-the-art investigation into active-seismogenic faulting in the Tehran Region, and presents new complementary data to provide an overall view on potential seismic sources to strike the capital of Iran. The study region lies in the central portion of the Arabia-Eurasia collision zone. The Tehran Region is located in a transitional zone between the seismically active regions of Central Iran to the south and Alborz to the north and exhibits a tectonic context characterized by both dip-slip and strike-slip E-striking fault systems such as the Mosha, Parchin, Garmsar and North Tehran faults. Seismic catalogues record numerous strong and moderate earthquakes in the Tehran Region. Although the mapping of active faults and paleoseismological records have defined the seismic sources of several historical and prehistorical earthquakes, still many of them need to be constrained. Based on successive fault displacements and related microseismicity, five previously unknown or poorly understood major active seismogenic fault zones in the Tehran Region were introduced. From the west to the east, and in both near- and far-field contexts, the Qezel Hessar, Mahdasht-South Karaj, Kuhak-Lavizan, Arakuh, and Kajan define the fault zones. Critically, in the last decades, the rapid urban development in Tehran, including the new settlements of Karaj, Hashtguerd, Pardis, and Parand, has covered some of the surface expressions of these fault zones. The Kuhak-Lavizan fault zone, however, is known to cut across inner city parts of Tehran. Within the Tehran Region, seismicity on these faults demonstrates ongoing active structural evolution. The active faults of Tehran City are generally discussed in three northern, central and southern ∼E-striking basement zones. The major zones, which contain deep-seated faults, are capable of producing moderate to strong seismic events near and within the metropolitan areas of Tehran and Karaj and nearby settlements.