Rescue Excavation at Kuy-e Keyvan Tepe in Azna Plain, Lorestan, Iran: Evidence of Chalcolithic period and historical-Islamic period Underground structure



Abstract

Azna plain is one of the most important intercultural areas in Iran, which is the natural continuation of Silakhor plain, and intermediate between central Iran plateau and central Zagros. Kuy-e Keyvan Azna is located in the east of Lorestan province. In March of 2019, after informing the people of Azna about underground structures, during hill leveling, the author and archeological team surveyed site and documented the cultural materials. This Tepe was excavated in May of 2019. The main objectives were to explore the stratigraphic sequences of the site, relative and absolute chronology from the lower layers to the end of settlement, excavation in underground architecture, boundary determining, survey and using the GPR system. In addition, Large amounts of cultural data were obtained from Kuy-e Keyvan including: Stone seal and impressions, tokens, animal figurines of baked clay, pottery findings, animal bone remains, stone tools, stone implements and shells. Relative typology8 of chalcolithic potteries revealed similarity with Silk, Qala Gap, Godin, Siahbid and Maran Phase in the Mahidasht and some similarity to Susiana monochrome- painted sequence of Khuzistan. The typology of the seal and impressions show some similarities to the evidence of Khuzestan, especially Choghamish.The underground structure was also comparable to those identified in Iran, such as Arzanfood and Samen in Hamedan, and Noushabad in Kashan.The relative chronology shows us, the shapes and motifs of potteries and other findings in the stratigraphic trenches are similar to those observed in the fourth millennium B.C. Overall, five construction and occupation phase related to the Middle (Late Middle) and Late Chalcolithic period were identified in the underground architectures are related to the Parthian/Sassanid period and Islamic (early and medieval) period.

Keywords: Kuy-e Keyvan Azna, Chalcolithic period, Underground structure, Historical and Islamic period