Archaeological Research of Iran

Archaeological Research of Iran

Statistical Analysis of Settlement Patterns and Lifeways among Parthian-Period Communities in the Mountainous Highlands of Dehluran County Based on Archaeological Research

Authors
Abdol Malek Shanbehzadh 1
Gholam Reza Karamyan 2
Majid Reza Rajabi 3
1 Department of Archaeology, CT.C, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
2 Department of Archaeology, CT.C, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran (Corresponding Author).
3 Department of History, CT.C, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
10.22084/nb.2025.29189.2671
Abstract
Dehluran County lies in an intermediate geographical zone between the southwestern highlands of the Zagros Mountains, the northwestern Khuzestan Plain, and eastern Mesopotamia. In current administrative terms, its northern uplands encompass the Sarab-e Meymeh and Zarrinabad districts and comprise a mountainous landscape formed by interconnected valleys of different sizes, with small intermountain plains occurring intermittently between the smaller and larger valley systems. The region is part of the Meymeh River watershed and, owing to its favourable geographical setting, has accommodated various human groups through successive phases of occupation, from the Paleolithic era to the present day. One of the main questions and objectives of this research is to investigate the character of the settlement patterns and the lifeways of Parthian-period communities in the mountainous highlands of Dehluran County, with special attention to statistical analyses carried out through geographic information system (GIS) methods. The study combines archaeological field survey, comprehensive library-based research, and the systematic preparation, comparison, and interpretation of GIS maps produced for the study area. Survey across roughly 1,355 km² documented 53 archaeological localities with Parthian-period cultural materials. These include 47 habitation sites, 2 cemeteries, 1 possible fortress, 1 rock relief, 1 rock shelter, and 1 tomb or subterranean structure. The spatial distribution of these localities and their overlay with GIS base maps demonstrate how natural factors influenced their formation, development, and decline. Communication routes, alongside environmental conditions, also played a fundamental role in determining the distribution of settlements during this historical period. Analysis of the full body of data generated through the different stages of research ultimately indicates the presence of a mobile society in the region during the Parthian period. This society depended mainly on pastoralism for subsistence, although agriculture was practised at certain times on intermontane plains possessing favourable environmental conditions.
Keywords
Dehluran
Mountain Highlands
Parthian Period
Settlement Pattern
Statistical Analysis (via ArcGIS)
Subjects
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Archaeological Research of Iran
Volume 16, Issue 49
2026
Pages 235-253