The Archaeology of Iran from the Palaeolithic to the Achaemenid Empire


Book Description

The Archaeology of Iran from the Palaeolithic to the Archaemenid Empire is the first modern academic study to provide a synthetic, diachronic analysis of the archaeology and early history of all of Iran from the Palaeolithic period to the end of the Achaemenid Empire at 330 BC. Drawing on the authors’ deep experience and engagement in the world of Iranian archaeology, and in particular on Iran-based academic networks and collaborations, this book situates the archaeological evidence from Iran within a framework of issues and debates of relevance today. Such topics include human–environment interactions, climate change and societal fragility, the challenges of urban living, individual and social identity, gender roles and status, the development of technology and craft specialisation and the significance of early bureaucratic practices such as counting, writing and sealing within the context of evolving societal formations. Richly adorned with more than 500 illustrations, many of them in colour, and accompanied by a bibliography with more than 3000 entries, this book will be appreciated as a major research resource for anyone concerned to learn more about the role of ancient Iran in shaping the modern world.




The Kalleh Nisar Bronze Age Graveyard in Pusht-i Kuh, Luristan


Book Description

This volume is the final report on the 1967-1968 excavations at Kalleh Nisar in Pusht-i Kuh Luristan, Iran, by Ghent University and the Royal Museums of Art and History, Brussels. A large number of tombs, constructed with stone boulders, and remains of 2 buildings were discovered. One of these buildings is of Chalcolithic date. Individual and collective tombs were constructed at Kalleh Nisar throughout the 3rd millennium. Corridor-shaped tombs of up to 13m in length were designed as collective tombs and were used by several generations. Some were still re-used in the second millennium. The burial goods include plain and painted pottery, metal weapons and utensils, seals and jewellery. The finds cover the whole third and the first half of the second millennium. Bani Surmah is located in sub-region I of the Pusht-i Kuh, which is the closest to Mesopotamia. This explains the imports and influence of Mesopotamia in this part of Luristan. Metal analysis has nevertheless indicated the existence of a local metal production. The way of life and subsistence of past population groups in Pusht-i Kuh are considered. All the finds are illustrated in line drawings, the tombs and most objects also in photo.




Studies in the Syriac Magical Traditions


Book Description

The study of the Syriac magical traditions has largely been marginalised within Syriac studies, with the earliest treatments displaying a disparaging attitude towards both the culture and its magical practices. Despite significant progress in more recent scholarship in respect of the culture, its magical practices and their associated literatures remain on the margins of the scholarly imagination. This volume aims to open a discussion on the history of the field, to evaluate how things have progressed, and to suggest a fruitful way forward. In doing so, this volume demonstrates the incredible riches contained within the Syriac magical traditions, and the necessity of their study.




The Elamite World


Book Description

Amongst the civilizations to participate in the dynamic processes of contact and interchange that gave rise to complex societies in the ancient Near East, Elam has remained one of the most obscure, at times languishing in the background of scholarly inquiry. In recent years, however, an increasing body of academic publications have acknowledged its relevance and suggested that its legacy was more considerable and long-lasting than previously estimated. The Elamite World assembles a group of 40 international scholars to contribute their expertise to the production of a solid, lavishly illustrated, English language treatment of Elamite civilization. It covers topics such as its physical setting, historical development, languages and people, material culture, art, science, religion and society, as well as the legacy of Elam in the Persian empire and its presence in the modern world. This comprehensive and ambitious survey seeks for Elam, hardly a household name, a noteworthy place in our shared cultural heritage. It will be both a valuable introductory text for a general audience and a definitive reference source for students and academics.




The Art of Elam CA. 4200–525 BC


Book Description

The Art of Elam ca. 4200-525 BC offers a view of, and a critical reflection on, the art history of one of the world’s first and least-known civilizations, illuminating a significant chapter of our human past. Not unlike a gallery of historical paintings, this comprehensive treatment of the rich heritage of ancient Iran showcases a visual trail of the evolution of human society, with all its leaps and turns, from its origins in the earliest villages of southwest Iran at around 4200 BC to the rise of the Achaemenid Persian empire in ca. 525 BC. Richly illustrated in full colour with 1450 photographs, 190 line drawings, and digital reconstructions of hundreds of artefacts—some of which have never before been published—The Art of Elam goes beyond formal and thematic boundaries to emphasize the religious, political, and social contexts in which art was created and functioned. Such a magisterial study of Elamite art has never been written making The Art of Elam ca. 4200-525 BC a ground-breaking publication essential to all students of ancient art and to our current understanding of the civilizations of the ancient Near East.




The Archaeology of Elam


Book Description

This book examines the formation and transformation of Elam's many identities through both archaeological and written evidence. It brings to life one of the most important regions of ancient Western Asia, re-evaluates its significance, and places it in the context of the most recent archaeological and historical scholarship.




The Iron Age III Graveyard at War Kabud (Chavar District), Pusht-i Kuh, Luristan


Book Description

This fifth volume in the Luristan Excavation Documents series is the final excavation report on War Kabud, and presents the finds, most of which are now kept in the Royal Museums of Art and History in Brussels, and the Iran Bastan Museum in Teheran. It also provides information taken from the original excavation files.




Mortuary Practice in Ancient Iran from the Achaemenid to the Sasanian Period


Book Description

A collection of archaeological materials and burial remains, recovered during large scale excavations or by accidental discovery by travellers and locals, are presented in this volume on sixth- to seventh century mortuary and funerary practices from the Achaemenid to the Sasanian period in Iran. Much of this material has been poorly published in the past, or not been published at all. The author has collected a wide range of data to shed light on mortuary and funerary practices of cultures within the ancient Persian Empire who lived near or inside the borders of modern-day Iran.




Bani Surmah


Book Description

This volume presents the final report of the excavations at the Bani Surmah graveyard in Pusht-i Kuh Luristan, Iran, by Ghent University and the Royal Museums of Art and History, Brussels. The Excavations, directed by Louis Vanden Berghe, were conducted in 1966 and 1967. Thirty-seven tombs made of stone boulders were excavated. Some were small and measured between two and four meters in length. Most, however, were much larger and measured ten meters or more in length. Most tombs were collective and were used by several generations. The burial goods cover almost the whole third millennium. Bani Surmah is located in the sub-region I of the Pusht-i Kuh, which is the closest to Mesopotamia. Many of the objects found in the tombs, such as common and painted pottery, seals and metalwork are of Mesopotamian origin. The close ties of this region with Mesopotamia raise some questions about the historical geography. Also the way of life and subsistence of past population groups in Pusht-i Kuh are considered. All the finds are illustrated in line drawings, the tombs and most objects also in photo.