Journal of Archaeology and Archaeometry

Studying and understanding the social, economic, and political structures of Iron Age communities is a significant aspect of archaeological research of this period. Until now, much of the archaeological research on the Iron Age in Iran has focused largely on the typological study and comparison of findings from cemetery excavations, with less attention given to the study and reconstruction of the various aspects of the social, economic, and political structures of communities from this period. Most researchers to date have regarded the people of the Iron Age in Iran as communities lacking organized administrative and political structures, and based on the limited number of settlement sites, have described them as nomadic herders. However, the study, interpretation, and analysis of findings from settlement sites of this period in Central Iran have revealed new perspectives on the presence of socio-economic and political institutions and organizational structures. The discovery of a piece of grey pottery with a cylinder seal impression at Chaltasian Tepe, Varamin, alongside other evidence from significant and large settlement sites of the Iron Age, provides us with evidence of socio-economic institutions during the Iron Age

Studying the elemental composition of coins does not only provide chemical information of the legal tender but provides insight into the manufacturing process, history, and economic state of the country during the minting year of the coins. The elemental composition of some Sassaian coins spanning from the years 582 to 591 AD have been analyzed using PIXE at the Bubansor physical lab of India and metallic the elements Ca, Fe, Cu, Ag, Au, and Pb were observed. The result The study of elemental composition of silver coins in Iran under the Sassanian period can help to explain the locations and identification of coins' mines. By determining not only major but also minor and trace element concentrations, the coin's compositions were used to deduce information both on the economic conditions under the different reigns. The aim of this work is to study the chemical composition of some Hormizd IV coins to show the economic situation and find any relation between the mines used for the extraction of silver and the actual silver coins minted at that time. Using the PIXE technique, the show that Hormizd IV king used almost Cerussite mines for their coins and are brought to light valuable information about the economy of the time.

In addition to its functional aspects, architecture holds a deeper significance that communicates with the observer or user of the architectural work. Perception plays a crucial role in various fields, as an individual's perceptions, emotions, and mental states, alongside visual characteristics, can lead to diverse or multiple interpretations, allowing the landscape to be understood in myriad ways. Every architectural design maintains a connection with its surroundings through its distinct visual attributes. Aligning with this notion, the present study aims to elucidate the visual aspects of workplace architecture and its impact on the performance of private bank employees in Rafsanjan city. This research adopts an applied developmental goal and employs a descriptive-analytical methodology. Data collection utilized both field methods (public questionnaires) and a combined approach (quantitative-qualitative) for data analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were applied using SPSS software. The findings revealed a direct correlation between the visual characteristics of workplace architecture and job performance in private bank branches in Rafsanjan. Thus, emphasizing visual elements in bank architecture holds significant importance, as these factors can influence employee performance, alertness levels, and concentration at work. The visual features of workplace architecture directly impact visual and psychological needs. Therefore, to enhance the performance quality of banks, these characteristics must be regarded as pivotal factors in workplace environments.

In the 5th and 6th centuries A.H., glassmaking in the Islamic era reached its peak of growth and prosperity in Islamic lands and was accompanied by innovations in the field of construction and decoration, which became the inspiration for glassmaking in the world after this period. This article aims to introduce and categorize innovations in the methods of producing and decorating glass products from the fifth and sixth centuries of Hijra. This research is descriptive-analytical with a library method. The results show in the 5th and 6th centuries of Hijri, Islamic glassmaking underwent significant transformation and innovation, evident in four key areas: color and raw materials, form and manufacturing methods, decorations, and applications. Islamic glassmaking in Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Egypt exhibited distinct technical features compared to the preceding era, which in Iran ceased with the Mongol invasion in the 7th century AH, subsequently shifting to the glassmaking centers of Iraq, Syria, and Egypt.

One of the most important archaeological remains from the Sassanid period is the famous structures called Chahartaqi, which are related to religious beliefs and are considered part of religious architecture. The recognition of these buildings regarding the sacred fires erected in them is faced with ambiguities. Ilam Province is located in the western part of central Zagros, which has attracted the attention of archaeologists due to its proximity to Mesopotamia during the Sassanid period. Investigations carried out in various sites in this province indicate the existence of many fire temples and Chahartaqi structures, some of which have been introduced and some remain unknown. This research aims to introduce typologies of the fire temples and Chahartaqi buildings in Ilam Province to recognize the architectural style and pattern and their relationship with the sacred fires based on Zoroastrian religious texts. This research has used the documentary method with a descriptive-analytical approach. The results show that the Chahartaqi buildings in Ilam Province are divided into simple and compound Chahartaqi in terms of architectural pattern. Simple Chahartaqi consists of a square plan, four thick piers, four wide openings, and a domed roof, which, according to Zoroastrian religious books, belong to the Atesh Dadgah. Compound Chahartaqi consists of a square plan, a protected corridor for the fire, and corridors around the building that lead to the surrounding spaces, which were used for the residence of Mobeds and the maintenance of auxiliary equipment related to the fire temple

Central Asia is a key unit of archaeological studies of the Ancient Near East and an issue for important questions such as primary states, Aryan people immigration has a unique role in archaeological activities. Considering the geographical location of Dargaz (Dargaz) Plain at the periphery of Central Asia, it is a vital area in the archaeology of the northeastern part of the Iranian Central Plateau and Central Asia. The region is ideally situated to research regional relationships and inter-regional interactions between those cultural-geographical regions due to its ecological potential and geographic location. Archaeologically, to comprehend Cultural Similarities in Dargaz Plain, many studies and surveys have been done since the beginning of the 20th Century. However, because of the lack of more detailed excavation in this area, the quality of cultural material of Central Asia and the Iranian Central Plateau is reassessing continuously. The first archaeological survey by Kohl and Heskel in 1978 reveals the similarities between Central Asia and this area. The Following works were done for the sake of making known the prehistoric Sites, their interaction with neighboring regions, and their ecosystem but it remains incomplete. Twenty-one prehistoric settlements have remained in the area, dating from the Neolithic to the Iron Age I/III, according to archaeological studies carried out during these years. The majority of the locations that have been found are the ruins of dispersed villages and seasonal camps that were scattered throughout the plain, as well as at inaccessible heights and other locations. With an emphasis on the material culture, particularly the local ceramic traditions and the settlement patterns of the prehistoric site, this current work investigates the connection and interconnectedness of the Dargaz Plain and proposes novel prospects for future works. A study of the Dargaz Plain may shed new light on the social and cultural history of a larger region.