Analyzing the Role of Natural Factors in Spatial Distribution of Prehistoric Sites of Sonqor Plain

This paper is trying to focus on and analyze the role of natural, geographical, and environmental factors in the appearance of human settlements in Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Bronze, and Iron ages of Sonqor Plain. Getting that, the results of two seasons of intensive survey in Sonqor have used; the collected data include 105 sites two of which attributed to Neolithic period, 32 sites to Chalcolithic period, 25 sites to Bronze Age, and finally 46 sites to Iron Age. Then, these sites have chosen as our studying materials and studying population. Achieving given goals the Geographical Information System (GIS) have applied for study and analysis the Data; establishing a data bank for the study, which is in the form of GIS, we carried out an analysis on spatial distribution of the sites in each given periods. Thus, natural factors like height, slope, landform, climate, flowing waters, rivers, and Pastures was the main focus to understand the role and efficiency of each factor in the appearance of the sites. Doing the study, it’s became clear that the ancient settlement patterns of Sonqor was highly affected by natural factors mainly flora, water sources, slope, and height. This area is high and has a cool climate and these factors have created special and different conditions, forming human settlements similar to other areas in Iranian Central Zagros. Moreover, it is clear that the ancient settlement patterns of Sonqor were highly affected by natural factors such as height and distance to the river as well.