The Role of Environmental and Geographical Factors in the Dispersion of Median Sites

Authors

1 Iranian Center for Archaeological Research (ICAR), Tehran, Iran

2 Iranian Center for Archaeological Research (ICAR), Department of Historical Archaeology, Tehran, Iran.

10.22084/nb.2023.26437.2588

Abstract

Based on the distribution of archaeological sites, it appears that the Median territory, at its largest extent, would cover a vast region including western and northwestern Iran, eastern Asia Minor and parts of northern Mesopotamia to northeastern Iran and southern Turkmenistan. For this reason, the characteristics of the material culture cannot be the same throughout this realm. Wide distribution of Median sites and geographical and cultural diversity in this vast area are some of the challenges in archaeological studies of this period. It is obvious that environmental factors have played important roles in the distribution of these sites and the cultural landscape formation of these areas. However, no single comprehensive studies investigating the effect of geographical and spatial conditions on the location of Median sites have been yet done. In this study, we discuss various environmental and geographical conditions of the important spotted Median sites and evaluate the impact of these factors on site distribution using Geographical Information System (GIS) and spatial analysis. Our results allow suggesting some environmental and geographical features as criteria of site selection for Median settlements. We endeavor to explore historical features, historical geography, and the dispersion of the Median sites with a view to their natural conditions such as the height above sea level, land slope, slope direction, the access to surface water resources, and the passages and ways of communication. Accordingly, the most important and influential natural factor affecting the distribution of Median-period sites and the formation of the cultural landscape of this period has been the access to ways and passages, especially the Greater Khorasan Road and surface water resources. However, continuing archeological researches into the Median period and learning more about cultural features of this period as well as identifying new Median sites and settlements in this cultural area will lead to more comprehensive and accurate studies on the cultural landscape of the Median period and the factors influencing its formation.

Keywords

Main Subjects

pazhoheshha-ye Bastan shenasi Iran

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 22 July 2023

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