Khuzestan

Project: Italian-Iranian Joint Mission in Khuzestan
Site: Khuzestan
Directors: Vito Messina (CRAST), Jafar Mehr Kian (RICHT-ICAR)
Years: 2008-2017

The Iranian-Italian Joint Expedition in Khuzestan conducts research in the area of the modern city of Izeh, on the road through the Baktiari mountain from Ahwaz to Isfahan and Shiraz. Fieldwork started at Hung-e Azhdar, a village located at the entrance of a Valley about 17 km north of Izeh, and continue at Kal-e Chendar, in the valley of Shami, about 15 km further to the north. This project, which purposes to investigate the traces of ancient Elymais, falls within the frame of cultural agreements renewed through 5 years Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the Iranian Center for Archaeological Research (ICAR) of the Research Center of the Iranian Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran (RICHT) and the Centro Scavi Torino (CRAST). Other Institutions involved in the project are the Department of Archtitecture and Design of the Polytechnic of Torino (DAD, former DITAG), and the Department of Historical Studies of the University of Torino (DSS, former SAAST). The expedition is partially financed by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) and has been financed by the Fondazione CRT up to 2010.

Hung-e Azdhar

First campaign

Laser scanning of the Hung-e Azdhar rock relief and preliminary survey of the surrounding area (March 4 - 12, 2008)

The aim of the Expedition was the acquisition by laser scanning of a Parthian rock relief, depicting a scene of homage or investiture (?), and carved on the surface of a large boulder close to the southern slopes of the valley. This relief is about 5.40 m long and 2.10 m high, while its lower edge is about 1.50 m from the soil. The sculpted surface covers about 11 m2 and ranges from about 1 to 15 cm in depth. The sculpted scene shows in the left half a bearded horseman followed by an attendant and four standing men in the right half. This rock relief is of special interest within the art of ancient Elymais, since the iconography and the style of the figures in the scene are very different: whilst the four standing men are depicted in a frontal position and in Iranian dress, the horseman and his attendant in the left half are the only figures among the whole set of Parthian rock reliefs to be depicted in profile. Because of these contradictions, the chronology and the interpretation of the scene are still under discussion and completely change the historical framework of the sculpture and of the commission of the relief: some scholars refer the execution of the horseman and his attendant to the conquest of Elymais made by Mithradates I in 140-139 BCE, or rather in the following decades; others refer the standing figures to the late Parthian period (2nd-3rd century CE).  The Hung-e Azhdar rock relief has been already surveyed with traditional methods in the past years. These researches provided a number of photographs and drawings which, even when of high quality, do not allow for a more in-depth examination. For this reason, the present project aimed to increase information by the use of a laser scanner. This technology can allow to conduct a detailed examination of the sculpted surface and a precise measurement of the carving’s depth in different points of the scene, and so shed new light on the carving techniques of all the represented figures. The erosion of the surface could also be detected, updating the acquired information with further periodic scanning, in order to make comparison with previous data. The sculpted surface of the boulder has been divided into 34 squared sectors, each of 60x60 cm. About 15,000 markers were placed on the surface, at a distance of no more than 5 cm one from the other, in order to allow the scanner to recognize its position in a 3D model. Each sector has been separately scanned with a high definition handyscan 3D (model HZ), perpendicularly moved at about 15-20 cm from the rock surface: 34 frames have been acquired as digital files at the highest resolution (1,95 mm), and an overlap band has been saved between adjacent sectors, with a 10% tolerance. The scanner never touched the surface during operation. Images with a photogrammetric digital camera (model Kodak DCS PRO 14m) have also been acquired in order to update the information provided by the laser scanning: 22 frames have been photographed, at a distance of 5,3 and 1,3 m (for details). Vertices have been located on the ground by a GPS receiver (model Topcon Hiper PRO) and by traditional topographic method, while 70 ground control points, placed on the sculpted surface, have been located by a total station (model Topcon Get 3005N), in order to define a network for further topographic surveys. This allowed to relate the numerical and tridimensional nature of the acquired information to a known reference system. The acquired frames have been merged and elaborated in the laboratory of the DITAG, and allowed to create a 3D digital model of the rock relief consisting in 7.692.104 points, with an accuracy of 0.2 mm approximately. The images acquired by the digital photogrammetric camera have been elaborated to obtain a digital orthophoto and “Solid Images” of the scanned surface. Solid Images are digital images where all pixels contain x, y and z coordinates, providing information in a known reference system, so that it is possible to measure angles, distances and areas. These are high resolution RGB files (non orthorectified), integrated by a numerical matrix of the same resolution, containing tridimensional data of the scanned surface. A specific software (SirIO) has been created for the analysis of these data.

This allows to manage all the elaborated files –the 3D model, the orthophoto and solid images– on a unique digital platform: traces of tools on the sculpted surface, differences in the depth of the carving, and the natural conformation of the rock have to be examined in order to verify whether in the two halves of the sculpted scene, besides the evident contradictions in iconography and style, there are also differences in the carving technique and evidence of re-sculpting. Because of the lack of no detailed surveys in the Hung-e Azhdar valley, a preliminary archaeological survey of the surrounding area was also planned, with the purpose of discovering traces of further archaeological remains. A small area of about 4.400 m2, very close to the boulder carrying the reliefs, has been surveyed, revealing the presence of pottery, broken in sherds, and very few fragments of bones, gathered with rubble in small groups of different size. These groups surround the boulder in all direction: they have irregular shape and seem to belong to a disturbed archaeological context. At least 19 small groups of sherds and rubble have been recognized.

Second campaign

Laser scanning of the Hung-e Azdhar, Hung-e Yaralivand, Hung-e Kamalvand rock reliefs, topography of the valley of Hung-e Azhdar and trial trenches near the boulder of Hung-e Azhdar (February 9 - March 2, 2009).

The Iranian-Italian Joint Expedition in Khuzestan started the 2nd campaign in the area of Hung-e Azhdar, in order to develop the research begun in the 1st campaign (2008). Members of the Expedition were Mr. Jafar Mehr Kian (ICAR, co-director), Mrs. Yalda Sourani (ICAR, architect), Mr. Mehdi Faragi (ICAR, archaeologist), Mr. Neamatollah Salashoor (archaeologist), Mr. Mojtaba Shokrollahi (photographer) and Mr. Ali Reza Ismaili (technician), for the Iranian side, Mr. Vito Messina (CRAST co-director), Mr. Paolo Ardissone (DITAG, archaeologist and topographer), and Mrs. Cristina Bonfanti (DITAG, architect), for the Italian side. Supervisor of Centro Scavi Torinowas Prof. Antonio Invernizzi. Supervisor of the DITAG was Prof. Fulvio Rinaudo. The aims of the Expedition were:

  1. the acquisition by laser scanner of the natural surface of the Hung-e Azhdar rock relief and of the sculpted surface of the Hung-e Yaralivand and Hung-e Kavalvand rock reliefs;
  2. the topography of the valley of Hung-e Azhdar;
  3. the opening of trial trenches near the sculpted boulder of Hung-e Azhdar.

1. Laser scanning of the Hung-e Azhdar, Hung-e Yaralivand, Hung-e Kamalvand rock reliefs

1a. Previous situation

The preliminary survey of the Hung-e Azhdar, Hung-e Yaralivand and Hung-e Kamalvand rock reliefs revealed the presence of targets for photogrammetry on the rock surface of all the sculpted reliefs. These are rectangular targets made of paper that have been fixed to the rock surface by a strong glue. These operations do not pertain to the present project and the relevant targets have been previously fixed on the rock. The presence of these targets has been reported to local Authorities. During the preliminary survey of the Hung-e Azhdar rock relief clear traces of rainwater erosion have been detected on the surface: these are originated particularly by a long crack on the upper part of the boulder, that works as a natural pipe for the water flowing from the top of the boulder when it rains.

1b. Laser scanning

Acquisition by laser scanner lasted 4 days. The natural surface framing the Parthian sculpted relief of Hung-e Azhdar has been scanned with a resolution of about 1 mm. The acquired surface will be merged with the information provided by laser scanning of the sculpted surface, completed during the 1st campaign, in order to upgrade the 3D digital model of the boulder. The rock relief of Hung-e Yaralivand depicts two standing men in frontal position, each dressed in a tunic with trousers. The lower part of each tunic is bell-shaped and the feet of the figures are turned in profile. The right figure has his left hand at his hip, while the left figure has his right to his hip. This relief is interpreted as a scene of investiture where the right man is investing a prince with his authority (Mathiesen, 1992, 123-124). The sculpted surface of the rock relief of Hung-e Yaralivand has been divided into 9 squared sectors, each of about 60x60 cm. Markers were placed on the surface in order to allow the scanner to recognize its position in a 3D model. These markers are circular spots with a diameter of about 5 mm that have been completely removed after acquisition. Each sector has been separately scanned with a high definition handyscan (model HZ), a self-positioned hand-held scanner, perpendicularly moved at about 15-20 cm from the rock surface. The scanner never touched the surface during operation. The rock relief of Hung-e Kamalvand has been acquired with the same technique and the sculpted surface has been divided into 9 square sectors each of about 50x50 cm. It depicts a standing male figure wearing a long belted robe  and facing a horseman proceeding to right. An Elymaean inscription runs on the upper part of the scene: “Phrates the priest, son of Kabnuskir” (Hinz 1963, 171). It is generally assumed that this inscription refers to the horseman (Kawami 1987, 72-73) and claims to a royal descent, while the standing figure remains unidentified. According to T.S. Kawami (ibid., 73) this relief may depict a member of the Kamnaskired dynasty who retained some power perhaps religious, rather then political, in the Izeh valley. The acquired frames of all reliefs have been merged in the laboratory of DITAG, with an accuracy of 0.2 mm approximately. Images with photogrammetric digital camera (model Kodak DCS PRO 14m) have also been acquired, that will update the information provided by the laser scanning, in order to obtain digital orthophotos and “Solid Images” of the scanned surface. Solid Images are digital images where all the pixels contain x, y, z coordinates, providing information in a known reference system so that it is possible to measure angles, distances and areas. Control points on the sculpted surface of the reliefs have been acquired by total station, in order to locate the merged frames in the same reference system.

1c. Elaborated data

The complete 3D digital model of the Hung-e Azhdar sculpted relief is composed by 7.712.000 points. The 3D model of the Hung-e Yaralivand rock relief consists of 2.467.745 points, the 3D model of the rock relief of Hung-e Kamalvand consists of 2.378.347 points. The preliminary elaboration of the data acquired in Hung-e Yaralivand revealed traces of an inscription on the upper part of the sculpted scene, that was no visible by the nude eyes: indeed, this inscription has been deeply eroded and only scanty traces of some letters are detectable. It is an Elymaean inscription in Aramaic language of the south Mesopotamian group very similar to the well known inscription in Hung-e Kamalvand. This inscription has not yet been detected by other previous surveys and is still unpublished. The correct and final reading will be provided afterward by Prof. F. Pennacchietti (University of Turin) and Dr. Marco Moriggi (University of Catania).

2. Topography of the valley of Hung-e Azhdar

A main network of 6 vertices has been fixed by total station following the valley ground: 5 of these vertices have been also acquired by GPS receivers (model Topcon Hiper PRO). Starting from these vertices a further network consisting of 2462 ground control points (GCP) has been fixed by total station on the ground and on the slopes of the valley: these points have been acquired in reflector mode (360° prism) and with reflector lens in order to define elevation by various levelled sections. Vertices and GCP have been acquired in a known reference system. The relevant map shows that the valley ground is at an elevation of 836-837 m above the sea level (ASL), approximately, and that the investigated area is at an elevation of about 842 m ASL. The area of archaeological interest covers about 4.200 m2 around the sculpted boulder and is located between 3533070-3533130 N and 392610-392690 E UTM (LL: 31°55’43.58’’ N, 49°41’40.96’’ E coordinates).

3. Trial trenches near the boulder of Hung-e Azhdar

3a. Previous situation

The area selected for trial trenches is located at the foot of the mountains surrounding the valley of Hung-e Azhdar, south from the sculpted rock relief depicting the scene of investiture, and extends for about 140 m2. Here the ground slightly slopes towards the centre of the valley and a number of huge boulders, collapsed in antiquity from the mountains’ cliffs, stand over the present surface or are partially wedged in it. This area, denominated Area 1, was partially surveyed during the 1st campaign, revealing clear traces of unauthorized excavations. The first remark has been confirmed by a preliminary reconnaissance during the present campaign: at least 5 irregular holes and 1 trench were still visible on the ground near and far from the boulder, with loose earth heaped in small mounds beside each hole. This situation deeply disturbed the archaeological context.

3b. Trial trenches in Area 1

Three small test-trenches (two of 4 m2 and one of 6 m2) have been opened and proceeding with the excavation two of these trenches have been unified in one trench of about 17 m2. These trenches, denominated HeA 1 001, HeA 1 002 and HeA 1 003, are close to the sculpted boulder: trench HeA 1 001 is about 3,5 m southeast of the boulder, trench HeA 1 002 is at its foot, on its western half, and trench HeA 1 003 were about 5 m south, almost in the centre of Area 1, but its northern boundary have been widened up to 1,5 m from the sculpted surface. Trench HeA 1 001 is a squared trench of 2x2 m, where the surface seemed untouched in modern times: here excavations started from the surface’s elevation of 842.208 m ASL. The presence of two huge stones hindered the prosecution of the works, while a further stone is of particular interest because it seems to have been placed on purpose, as it covers a layer containing potsherds that continues beyond the excavations’ limits. A gravel layer was reached below the potsherds layers: this covered a layer containing only stones at an elevation of 841.203 m ASL. Trench HeA 1 002 is a square of 2x2 m as well. Here a modern unauthorized trench deeply disturbed the archaeological context. In this trench a number of iron arrowheads and a ring with an amygdaloid setting, with an engraved male head in right profile were found, but their pertinence is uncertain because of the modern hole. The same gravel and stones layers of trench HeA 1 001 have been reached at an elevation of 841.258-841.138 m ASL. Trench HeA 1 003 is the largest of Area 1, since it has been widened up to 5x3 m towards trench HeA 1 002 and unified with it, starting from a 1x2 m trench. Near trench HeA 1 003 the excavation revealed 4 modern holes that disturbed the underlying context. For this reason, potsherds were no clearly stratified, even if 3 main levels have been recognized in proximity of the eastern excavation limit. A number of arrowheads have been found, close to the limits of trench HeA 1 002, together with fragments of handmade terracotta figurines representing horses. In this area, which is the nearest to the sculpted boulder, structures made in undressed stones have been unearthed close to the surface and also at a deeper level, but, since their remains continued beyond the excavation limits, they have not been completely cleared. Structure SU 11 is the closest to the surface, being at an elevation of 842.178 m ASL, and it consists of quite large stones gathered together in a quadrangular shape. This structure has been partially destroyed by the modern trench cutting the archaeological layers of trench HeA 1 002. The structure SU 11 lies on structure SU 12, which is almost unknown because it is widely hidden below it. Structure SU 13 is the most ancient of them, being partially covered by SU 12. It has a rectangular shape and it is made of undressed stones smaller than those of the upper structures, probably cut for this purpose. Three corners of structure SU 13 have been cleared, showing that it recalls a platform of 1.3x2.2 m, following the same orientation of the surface of the boulder and being less than 2 m from it. Potsherds were found in situ between the stones of the structures: they belong to a particular class of organic temper with dark core which indicates incomplete oxidation during the firing. All trenches have been covered.

Third campaign

Hung-e Azhdar, Hung-e Yaralivand, Tang-e Sarvak (April 10 – May 7, 2010).

The Iranian-Italian Joint Expedition in Khuzestan conducted the 3rd campaign in Hung-e Azhdar, Hung-e Yaralivand, Tang-e Sarvak. Members of the Expedition were Mr. Jafar Mehr Kian (ICAR, archaeologist and co-director), Mrs. Yalda Sourani (ICAR, architect), Mr. Mehdi Faragi (ICAR, archaeologist), Mr. Neamatollah Salashoor (archaeologist) and Mr. Loghman Karimi, Ebrahim Ahmedian, for the Iranian side, Mr. Vito Messina (CRAST-SAAST, archaeologist and co-director), Mr. Paolo Ardissone (DITAG, archaeologist and topographer), and Mrs. Cristina Bonfanti (DITAG, architect), for the Italian side. The Expedition was supported in Izeh by the Ayapir Cultural Heritage CHB.

The aims of the expedition were:

  1. excavation at Hung-e Azhdar: during the 2nd campaign, 3 small trenches have been opened in front of the sculpted boulder of Hung-e Azhdar. The excavation revealed archaeological remains in disturbed layers and the presence of superimposed structures made in undressed stones, which have been partially unearthed;
  2. laser scanning at Hung-e Azhdar: a portion of the Parthian rock relief has been selected to be re-scanned with the purpose of detecting the erosion of the sculpted surface;
  3. laser scanning at Tang-e Sarvak: laser scanning of the Parthian rock relief of Tang-e Sarvak, known as relief II (or IIA), has been scheduled as practice for the Iranian scholars participating to the training course “Geomatics and Archaeology” held in Turin from January 18th to 29th, 2010.

Operation on the field has been planned in Tehran from April 10th to 14th, 2010, with the full support of the ICAR.

1. Excavations at Hung-e Azhdar

The topographic surveys carried out in the 1st and 2nd campaigns revealed that a step of about 80 cm separated the small area in front of the Parthian rock relief by the valley: this area sheltered if compared to the valley was named Area 1, the outer area was named Area 2. Both Areas 1 and 2 near the sculpted rock were disturbed by unauthorized trenches opened in modern times (at least 7 in Area 1, several in Area 2). For this reason, the archaeological context is unclear in many points of the investigated area, even if small parts have been found untouched during excavation. Excavation in Area 1 exposed about 100 m2 and allowed to brought to light 2 structures in undressed stones, which revealed different phases. The largest structure develops for about 9 m and is oriented East-Westward. The stones were aligned on two parallel rows and formed a front opened to the N, containing a filling of loose earth, stones and rubble (SU 15, SU 16), which creates a sort of terrace in front of the valley. This low terrace risen for about 30 cm from the supposed floor’s level and the stones aligned on its front were both uncut and cut in regular shape, the latter being probably reused on purpose. On this terrace a row of stones was laid to create a sort of step of about 30 cm with the same orientation (SU 14). This terrace was superimposed on an older structure, probably smaller, that was partially discovered during the 2nd campaign (SU 8). This has the same orientation, is built with smaller stones and was laid on a layer of rubble that revealed no potsherds. Below this layer, there is a thick layer of sediment that contained no potsherds as well and has been perforated in different points up to 1 m in dept (SU 32). This terrace is aligned with the step separating Area 1 from the rest of the valley (Area 2), which was created placing two big boulders of regular shape (SU 6-HeA 1 001 and SU 18) against the boulders collapsed from the mountain's cliffs. At the foot of the sculpted boulder there is a rectangular platform already discovered during the 2nd campaign, which revealed 3 phases (SU 11, 12 and 13). This is also built in undressed stones and is not oriented on the same direction of the terrace, being aligned with the sculpted surface of the boulder. As a vast part of these platforms were cut by a modern unauthorized trench, the upper platforms (SU 11 and 12) were removed in order to clear the most ancient of them and collect stratified pottery: a portion of these structure was indeed untouched. In Area 1, 2 deep trenches were opened in order to reach the deeper layers: the first trench, is a square measuring 1x1 m, which was opened into the disturbed point of the terrace, the second is a rectangle, measuring about 1,5x2 m, which was opened in the eastern part of Area 1, close to one of the stones creating the step which separates Area 1 from Area 2 (SU 18). Both of these trenches were covered at the end of the excavation. In front of the platforms (SU 11, 12 and 13) several arrowheads were discovered during the 2nd campaign. During the present campaign further arrowheads were found loose in surface or in the layers close to the surface, while other objects such as small bronze bells and terracotta figurines were discovered near the 2nd platform (SU 12). The tempers of the collected potsherds revealed that a peculiar class of pottery, characterized by a dark core temper, largely prevails on the others.

The more recent structure unearthed in Area 1 is preserved for almost all its extension. For this reason both co-directors decided to propose its restoration instead of covering the whole excavated area. It is very clear that the front develops following a straight line, so it is possible to restore it by placing stones of the same size of those in situ and integrating the filling by loose earth in its upper part and by stones or rubble in its lower part. At the same time, the step originating by SU 4 can be integrated: in this way, the terrace can be clearly visible to visitors.

2. Laser scanning at Hung-e Azhdar

Laser scanning at Hung-e Azhdar was planned with the purpose of verifying the erosion of the sculpted surface after 2 years from the first acquisition. A single box of about 50x50 cm corresponding to the head of the horse represented in the left half of the scene has been acquired by handy-scan at the same resolution of the former acquisition (2008). This portion of the relief was selected because is particularly exposed to rainwater erosion. The data acquired will be elaborated in the laboratory of DITAG.

3. Laser scanning at Tang-e Sarvak

Laser scanning at Tang-e Sarvak was planned as practice of the theoretical training course "Geomatics and Archaeology" held in Turin from January 18th to 29th, 2010. The rock relief selected for acquisition is the so-called relief II (or IIA), representing a scene of investiture. The sculpted surface has been divided into 32 square sectors of about 50x50 cm and acquired by handy-scan at a resolution of 1.17 mm. Both the operations of acquisition and preliminary elaboration of the data were executed by the participants in the course, supervised by specialists of the Polytechnic of Turin. The acquisition lasted 5 days in the period from April 26 to 30, 2010.

Fourth campaign

Marvdasht (Persepolis), Shiraz, Bishapur – study of materials (December 27, 2011 – January 4, 2012)

In the 4th campaign, the Iranian-Italian Joint Expedition in Khuzestan conducted the study of archaeological materials discovered during excavation of the sanctuary at Hung-e Azdhar, completing the research which started during the 1st campaign (2008) and continued during the 2nd (2009) and the 3rd campaigns (2010). This project falls within the frame of a 5 years Memorandum of Understanding undersigned by the Iranian Center for Archaeological Research (ICAR) of the Research Organization of Iranian Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization (ROCHHTO) and the Centro Scavi Torino (CRAST). Other Institutions involved in the project, as partners of the Centro Scavi Torino, were the Department of Environment, Land and Geotechnology I Engineering (DITAG) and the Department of Historical Studies (ex SAAST). Members of the expedition were Jafar Mehr Kian (ICAR, co-director), for the Iranian side, Vito Messina (CRAST-SAAST, co-director), for the Italian side. On the basis of planned programme, the aims of the expedition were:

  1. cleaning and preservation of the stuctures unearthed at Hungh-e Azhdar;
  2. filing of the archaeological findings at Hungh-e Azhdar.

1. Cleaning and preservation of the structures unearthed at Hung-e Azhdar

In the 3rd campaign the excavation of the area at the feet of the sculpted boulder at Hung-e Azhdar was completed. There were unearthed structures dated to the Parthian period (I sec. BCE – II CE) that could be interpreted as what remains of a small open-air sanctuary composed by a low terrace and a rectangular platform against the sculpted rock, both built in undressed stones.

The good state of preservation and the stratigraphic coherence of the structures of the most recent phase encouraged to plan and allowed to realize the completion of the structural gaps in the dry walls. The structures brought to light were left visible to make them usable for visitors of the site and to better understand their features. Maintenance works and periodical cleaning of the area have been carried out in 2011 according to what decided by both parties.

2. Cataloguing of materials from the excavations at Hung-e Ahzdar

Archaeological findings discovered in large amount in the previous expeditions were filed and catalogued on digital support after their preliminary listing followed to fieldwork. A database has been made for queries and cross-references of these findings, and, particular, for their comparison with edited materials with the purpose of writing and publishing the final report of the Hung-e Azhdar excavation.

Kal-e Chendar

Fifth campaign

Valley of Shami – Kal-e Chendar (September 10 – November 17, 2012)

The 5th campaign of the Iranian-Italian Joint Expedition in Khuzestan (MCIIK) inaugurated the activities in the area of Kal-e Chendar, in the Valley of Shami. The project falls within a five-year Memorandum of Understanding, signed between the Iranian Center for Archaeological Research (ICAR), the Research Organization of Iranian Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization (ROCHHTO), and the Centro Scavi Torino (CRAST). The other institutions involved in the project, as partners of the Centro Scavi Torino, were the Dipartimento di Architettura e Design, Polytechnic of Turin (DAD) and the Dipartimento di Studi Storici, University of Turin (DSS). Members of the expedition were Jafar Mehr Kian (co-director, ICAR), Ali Berouzi, and Fraydoun Taghmassevi for the Iranian side, and Vito Messina (co-director, CRAST-DSS) for the Italian side. According to the programme defined by both parties, the aims of the expedition were:

  1. geo-referencing the site;
  2. surveying of the area of Kal-e Chendar.

The Valley of Shami extends about 30 km north of the modern city of Izeh. The site of Kal-e Chendar was investigated in 1936 by Sir Marc Aurel Stein, the famous explorer working for the India Office, who stayed a few days in the village after discovering that fragmentary marble statues and a well preserved larger than life-size bronze statue had been brought to light there. His excavations, although limited in time and extension, allowed Stein to unearth the remains of a rectangular religious (?) enclosure and several stone bases related to statues both in marble and bronze. These vestiges appeared to be what remains of an ancient sanctuary, probably one of the most reputed religious places of the region in the Hellenistic and Parthian periods. Despite the importance of this archaeological site, no further research was carried out after the Stein’s brief campaign. As a result, even the exact extent of what was likely the primary sanctuary of Elymais remains unknown.

The survey conducted by the Iranian-Italian Joint Expedition followed a preliminary investigation of the site, completed in 2010, and a thorough documentary research in the archives of the British Library in London and the Bodleian Library in Oxford, where Stein’s notebooks and photographs are preserved. The survey was carried out based on the acquisition of topographic coordinates in the WGS84 system, through handheld GPS devices.

This system allowed the rapid acquisition of topographic information over a large area, expediting the process of instrumental verification. The area initially surveyed was then soon extended based of the archaeological evidence discovered, embracing an area of almost 50 hectares located on a dejection cone ranging approximately from 1040 to 920 m above sea level. On the slope, imposing structures were identified, which had not been reported by Stein: these are monumental terraces contained by polygonal perimeter enclosures made of irregular undressed stones and located at different altitude levels. The terraces were built for the purpose of containing and regulating the debris of the slope, on one hand, and supporting stone buildings, on the other. Of these buildings many architectural and decorative elements survive on the ground, such as column bases, slabs, and sculpted fragments. Ancient large blocks were re-cut, polished, and used in the wall texture of the modern enclosures delimiting fields and properties and in the houses of the village gradually built on the archaeological site in the past 70-80 years. They are nevertheless still recognisable and testify to the existence of ancient monumental buildings, whose architectural decoration echoed Hellenistic models. Inside the buildings were most likely placed the statues whose fragments were discovered in the area. Thanks to the courtesy of the Bodleian Library, the examination of Stein’s photographs allowed to geo-reference some of them in the same system as the satellite images acquired in 2011 and, therefore, identify with good approximation the place where Stein opened his excavations. The positioning of Stein’s structures indicates that, due to their decentralised location on the Upper Terrace (also called “Stein Terrace”, with an extension of over 4,500 m2), they did not constitute the main complex and were rather part of a secondary building.

Furthermore, around the terraces, especially on the eastern slope of the Stein terrace, the survey located nineteen funerary hypogea, never mentioned in literature. These are mainly saddle-roofed burial chambers built in stone, in some cases very well preserved. Unfortunately, they don’t contain the human remains of the deceased as they were looted, probably already in ancient times. Based on their typology, the tombs can be dated to the Parthian period (1st-2nd century CE) and confirm the importance of the site, as a traditional burial place of high status individuals. The site is also dominated by a small fortress (Qala) located on a rocky outcrop that rises to the south of the monumental terraces, about 1070 m above sea level. Kal-e Chendar represents, therefore, an archaeological site of great significance, not only for the imposing character of the structures identified, but also for their typology. Monumental terraces arranged according to an ascending plan from bottom to top are otherwise unknown in Hellenistic and Parthian places of worship in Iran. Considering the importance of the data gathered during the survey, the Iranian institutions involved expressed their interest to conduct archaeological investigations with the aim to define a chronology of the occupational phases at Kal-e Chendar and, in the long term, to carry out extensive excavations.

Sixth campaign (1st season of excavation)

Valley of Shami – Kal-e Chendar (October 14 – November 12, 2013)

The Iranian-Italian Joint Expedition in Khuzestan (MCIIK) conducted its 6th campaign (1st season of excavation) in the area of Kal-e Chendar, in the Valley of Shami, in October–November 2013. The project falls within a five-year Memorandum of Understanding, signed between the Iranian Center for Archaeological Research (ICAR) of the Iranian Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization (ICHTO), and the Centro Scavi Torino (CRAST). The other institutions involved in the project, as partners of the Centro Scavi Torino, were the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Dipartimento di Studi Storici, University of Turin (DSS). Members of the expedition were Jafar Mehr Kian (co-director, ICAR), Alireza Bagherian (ICAR), and Mana Rohani (student) for the Iranian side, and Vito Messina (co-director, CRAST-DSS), Alessandra Cellerino (CRAST-DSS), Enrico Foietta (DSS), and Ilaria Bucci (DSS) for the Italian side. According to the programme defined by both parties, the aims of the expedition were:

  1. opening stratigraphic trenches at various locations at the site;
  2. implementing the survey of Kal-e Chendar started during the previous campaign in 2012.

The site of Kal-e Chendar was investigated in 1936 by the famous explorer Marc Aurel Stein, following the fortuitous discovery of the famous larger than life-size bronze statue, now exhibited at the Iran Bastan Museum in Teheran. Stein brought to light the remains of a rectangular religious (?) enclosure and several fragments of bronze and marble statues. Despite the importance of the site and its findings, no further investigation was carried out after Stein’s fieldwork. The MCIIK is thus the first expedition to resume research at Kal-e Chendar. The site has a roughly triangular shape and consists in a dejection cone originated by the alluvial deposits of two local streams.

1. Trenches at Kal-e Chendar

Six trenches were opened during the 6th campaign: four on the top of the Stein Terrace, one at the feet of Terrace 2, one west of the south stream. These have been labelled with a progressive number: Trench 1, Trench 2, Trench 3, Trench 4, Trench 5, and Trench 6. Trench 1 was located at the centre of the terrace, in an area which approximately overlapped that already investigated by Stein. Trench 2 was located at the south-west corner of the same terrace, in a point that seems to correspond to the ancient retaining wall. Trench 3 was positioned north-east of Terrace 2, not far from its north-east corner. Trench 4 was excavated across the presumed north-east wall of the Stein Terrace. Trench 5 was opened at the north-west corner of the Stein Terrace. Finally, Trench 6 was located on the other bank of the south stream.

Trench 1 was a square of 4 x 4 m oriented to the north, which was widened up to 6 x 8 m east-westwards. On the surface, traces of mechanic cultivation were clearly visible: excavations revealed that agricultural soil reaches a depth of about 30 cm from the surface. Below it, a layer of deposit, containing very few potsherds and baked brick fragments covered the remains of a structure made of undressed stones. The latter appears to be a wall or the foundation of a wall, measuring more than 8 m in length and 0.7-1 m in width. It is built of stones that were roughly cut or re-cut on purpose, as shown by at least two regular blocks. Investigations indicate that the structure was probably a retaining wall almost perfectly north-south oriented, containing a filling of stones and rubble which extends beyond the western border of the trench. In terms of depth, the digging was interrupted at about 2 m from the surface.

Trench 2 was a square of 4 x 4 m oriented to the north, which was widened up to 6 x 5 m. Just below the surface, a large structure was unearthed. This is made of undressed irregular stones arranged in at least seven rows to retain a filling of rubble. These rows could be interpreted as a large retaining wall, approximately north-east oriented, measuring more than 3.8 m in width and 5 m in length. Given the location of this wall in the area that should correspond to the corner of the Stein Terrace, it might be part of the terrace west wall. Two boulders still in place along the west border of the trench could be therefore part of the west façade of the terrace. The upper rows of this structure are deteriorated and partly loose. The presence of a thick layer of rubble stones over the entire trench impeded to reach deeper levels, so much so that the digging was interrupted at about 50 cm below the surface. No potsherds were found in Trench 2.

Trench 3 was a rectangular trench, measuring 2.5 x 7 m and east-west oriented. Here a complex structure made of baked bricks was discovered immediately below the surface and partially below a modern retaining wall. This structure is faces east and consists of a 2.5 x 1.8 m rectangular platform preceded on the east side by a paved area measuring 2.5 x >1.8 m. It was partially destroyed, probably in modern times, by the opening of an unauthorised trench of irregular shape. In the filling of the trench and the disturbed layer above the paving, several fragments of baked bricks were found. Among them, five complete baked bricks have the shape of column segments of two formats: a bigger one measuring 34 x 35 x 30 x 8 cm (radius 35 cm), and a smaller one measuring 30 x 32 x 29 x 6 cm (32 cm radius). Although the function of the structure is unclear and needs to be more accurately investigated by widening the area of the trench, it is reasonable to interpret it as a platform meant to support a smaller object, perhaps an altar. Bricks of two formats have been identified in the texture: a square format measuring 36 x 36 x 8 cm, and a rectangular format measuring 36 x 16 x 8 cm. Very few potsherds were found in the surface layer covering the paved floor. Excavation were stopped at the height of the paved floor, about 60 cm below the surface.

Trench 4 was a narrow rectangle measuring 1 x 10 m. It was opened across the presumed north-east wall of the Stein Terrace. Only the surface layer was removed in order to clarify the layout of some large stones that appeared to be part of the ancient masonry. These have been cleaned and seem to be in their original position, arranged in at least three rows with the purpose of retaining the terrace filling composed by rubble and soil. No potsherds were found in the trench.

Trench 5 was a rectangle measuring 3 x 10 m, roughly oriented east-west. It has the same orientation as a modern retaining wall, which could be built over the remains of a more ancient structure. The surface layer yielded a few potsherds, including many fragments of a big storage jar with a ribbed decoration. Given that no ancient structures were discovered, excavations were interrupted at a depth of about 50 cm from the surface.

Trench 6 was opened in the area of a tomb (T9) already identified during the 5th campaign. This is a chamber of 4.5 x 2.4 m, built in undressed stones and roughly oriented to the east. Unauthorised excavations carried out in modern times had already partially removed the collapsed saddle (?) roof and plundered at least half of the chamber. The remaining part was excavated by MCIIK. Starting from the surface, the members of the expedition completed the removal of the roof, whose instability was endangering the whole structure. Below the debris, a floor made of flat irregular stones was found. Alongside the north wall was identified a rectangular low bench, 20 cm high, built with the same technique as the floor. This had been partially broken by the illicit trench that also destroyed the roof. The chamber must have been at least 2 m high. Given the present sloping surface, it can be assumed that part of the chamber itself, most likely its façade, now lost, emerged from the ground level and was therefore visible to the visitors approaching the area. The tomb appears to belong to one of the cemeteries surrounding the terraces. In any case, this type of chamber (a large family tomb?) seems different from the other tombs identified so far at the site.

2. Survey in the Bileva area

The site of Kal-e Chendar is dominated by the peaks of Bileva. These peaks can be reached through a partly preserved cobbled road from the Stein Terrace, crossing the small valley of “Chesmeye Sar-e Murd”. Part of the Bileva area is known as “Char Qala” (the four fortresses), due to the presence of a fortified mountain complex built in dry stone. The survey conducted here allowed the detection of walls emerging from the current ground level, as well as of quadrangular structures, possibly used as cisterns to collect rainwater. The surface pottery, which was not collected, can be generally dated from the Parthian to the Islamic period.

Seventh campaign (2nd season of excavation)

Valley of Shami – Kal-e Chendar (September 26 – November 14, 2014)

The Iranian-Italian Joint Expedition in Khuzestan (MCIIK) conducted its 7th campaign (2nd season of excavation) in the area of Kal-e Chendar, in the Valley of Shami, in September–November 2014. The project falls within a renewed five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed in Tehran by Seyyed Mohammad Beheshti for the Research Center of the Iranian Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization (RICHT-ICAR) and by Vito Messina for the Centro Scavi Torino (CRAST). The other institutions involved in the project, as partners of the Centro Scavi Torino, were the Dipartimento di Architettura e Design, Politecnico di Torino (DAD), and the Dipartimento di Studi Storici, Università di Torino (DSS). In Izeh, the Expedition was supported by the Ayapir Cultural Heritage NGO. Members of the Expedition were Jafar Mehr Kian (co-director, RICHT-ICAR), Mehdi Faraji (archaeologist, representative of the ICHTO, Khuzestan), Mhoammad Reza Bagherian (archaeologist, Gilan ICHTO), Mana Rohuani (archaeology student, ICAR), Mojtaba Shokrollai (photographer), and Leyla Sharifi (ethnologist) for the Iranian side, and Vito Messina (co-director, CST-DSS), Alessandra Cellerino (archaeologist, CST-DSS), Enrico Foietta (PhD candidate, DSS), Ilaria Bucci (archaeology student, DSS), and Cristina Bonfanti (topographer DAD) for the Italian side. According to the program defined by both parties, the aims of the expedition were:

  1. enlarging the trenches opened during the 6th campaign (1st season of excavation 2013);
  2. continuing the survey and topography started in 2012.

Excavations were planned with the purpose of enlarging Trenches 1 and 3 opened during the 1st season (6th campaign, 2013), to further the excavation of the structures in undressed stones and baked bricks discovered there. The position of the structure brought to light in Trench 1, approximately at the centre of the so-called Stein Terrace, demanded further investigation to verify the presence of other structures potentially connected to it (Trench 8). The baked brick platform and paving discovered in Trench 3 indicated that at several locations at the site the present surface approximates the ancient ground level: this prompted us to open a new trench east of Trench 3, in order to verify whether archaeological layers could be similarly reached immediately below the surface (Trench 7). Trenches 7 and 8 were therefore opened to this effect. Additional trenches were also dug in the area where a number of tombs east of the modern road reaching the village of Kal-e Chendar were identified during the surveys conducted in the 5th and 7th campaigns.

Trench 1 was widened to the north and south up to 20 m to identify the limits of the main structure. The latter is a large retaining wall, north-south oriented, delimiting the east side of a platform, which has not yet completely exposed and was re-used in modern times as the foundation of a small enclosure in undressed stones. The wall extends for at least 20 m, exceeding the excavation borders. Trench 8 was a rectangle of 9 x 4 m east-west oriented and opened east of Trench 1. Trench 8 was located on the part of the Stein Terrace that appears to coincide almost exactly with the area where Stein conducted his excavations in 1936. Here, the terrace’s surface gently slopes towards the east, i.e. towards the lower part of the site. Excavations in Trench 8 brought to light a large wall having the same north-south alignment as the retaining wall in Trench 1. These structures seem to be part of the same monumental complex located on the top of the Stein Terrace.

Trench 3 was expanded to reveal the baked brick structure in its full extension. The clearing of the area confirmed that the present surface indeed approximates the ancient ground level. Trench 7 was opened on Terrace 3, in its north-west corner, not far from Trench 3. This location was selected in order to verify whether the same archaeological context could be also identified on Terrace 3. For this reason, Trench 3 was located between the west limit of Terrace 3 and the slope leading to the southern and upper part of the site, the Stein Terrace. Furthermore, clusters of baked brick fragments on the surface of Terrace 3 detected in the survey conducted during the 5th campaign led us to think that other similar structures might have once stood on the terrace. Trench 7, a square of 7 x 7 m oriented to the north, was not entirely excavated. Only the surface layer (SU 0) was removed completely, for a depth of 15 cm. Subsequently, the area was investigated only in the north half of the original square, for 3.5 m north-southwards and 7 m east-westwards. In this area, a structure of unclear purpose was discovered, built in undressed stones arranged in irregular rows (SU 2). Given its north-south orientation, following the natural slope of the ground, the possibility that this structure was built in modern time as a retaining wall for the cultivated fields couldn’t be ruled out completely. However, the remaining height of the structure, reaching a depth of about 2 m from the present surface, favour its ancient date.

In addition to the trenches just mentioned, the identification of several tombs damaged by looters during illicit diggings conducted in modern times prompted us to carry out emergency excavations in four of them (T7, T20, T23, T24), in order to acquire as much archaeological data as possible and prevent further looting. The decision to conduct these emergency excavations was made jointly by the two co-directors of the MCIIK and by the Iranian authorities involved. For this reason, special attention was paid to the rapidity in completing fieldwork and covering the unearthed structures.

Eighth campaign (3rd season of excavation)

Valley of Shami – Kal-e Chendar (October 1 – November 25, 2015)

The Iranian-Italian Joint Expedition started the 8th campaign (3rd season of excavation) at Kal-e Chendar with the purpose of:

  1. resuming excavations in some of the trenches already opened in 2014 at different locations on the site;
  2. continuing the survey and topography started in 2012 (5th campaign).

During the 8th campaign, two of the trenches dug in 2014 (Trenches 8 and 9) were extended, and four new trenches (Trenches 10, 11, 12, 13) were opened. Additionally, a small tomb in the area of Trench 10 was partially excavated in emergency conditions, as the site had been unfortunately subject to recent illegal excavations and looting.

Trench 8, located roughly at the centre of Stein Terrace and oriented to the north, was extended over 20 meters north-south. The area is cultivated and the ploughing usually reaches a depth of about 30 cm. Below a thin layer of deposit containing some ceramic fragments, an imposing masonry wall (or a foundation work) built in undressed stones was identified in 2014. This structure is preserved for a height of about 30 cm. The enlargement of the trench allowed to verify that this wall, over 4 meters thick in some points, extends north-south for over 20 meters, running parallel to the large platform identified in previous campaigns in the nearby Trench 1. In some spots, the upper part of this ancient structure was clearly re-used in more recent times to build smaller walls and rooms.

Trench 9, east-west oriented, was opened near one of the tombs identified during the seventh campaign (T23). Below the surface, a wall was discovered made of undressed stone blocks and baked bricks, the latter of the same formats as those already identified in Trench 3. The stratigraphic relation of this wall with T23 confirms its contemporaneity with the hypogeum. The wall can therefore be interpreted as an enclosure, suggesting the presence of complex structures around the underground burials.

This datum is confirmed by the vestiges emerged in Trench 10, located south-east of Trench 9. Here, in the place where another monumental tomb had already been identified (T24), complex structures built in undressed stones and articulated in a few rectangular rooms, corridors, and a small open area, were discovered below the surface. The dating of these structures relies on the fact that a small tomb containing the skeletal remains of at least three subadults and grave goods dating to the Late Parthian period was later built by cutting through them.

While Trench 11 did not yield any significant data, excavations in Trench 12, located approximately 20 m south of Trench 9, brought to light walls in dry stone with the same orientation as those identified in Trench 9. In particular, two longitudinal walls are aligned with the wall made of stone and bricks in Trench 9 and seem to be its continuation southwards. If they indeed belong to the same structure, they could constitute the enclosure encircling the tomb T23.

Trench 13, north-west of Trench 9, revealed the presence of two square platforms of about 5 x 5 m and of a further structure to the south. The two high platforms are aligned east-west: the eastern one is articulated in small niches, while the western one is characterised by the presence of a small staircase cut into one of its sides. Based on their features, both of them must have been platforms built to support altars. They are still preserved up one metre in height and were probably designed to support small cultic installations clearly related to the funerary complex. This interpretation is further confirmed by the findings in the area. A stone betyl was found near the western platform and a small column along the southern side of the same platform. These could be the remains of the architectural decoration and paraphernalia of small chapels or altars. Considering the possible function of the two platforms, it is then important to stress the finding of complex structures connecting the tombs. In fact, these pieces of evidence, once considered together, indicate the existence of a large sacred and burial complex, which probably grew around the main sanctuary located on the monumental terraces in the highest part of the site, especially on the main Stein Terrace.

The grave goods found inside the tombs during the 7th campaign , especially the glazed vessels, were restored during the 8th campaign. These are object of great value and historical significance. They not only testify to the wealth and high social status of the individuals buried at Kal-e Chendar, but also reveal interesting contacts with the material culture of Parthian Mesopotamia, from where part of them could have be imported.

Ninth campaign (4th season of excavation)

Valley of Shami – Kal-e Chendar (September 23 – November 16, 2016)

The Iranian-Italian Joint Expedition in Khuzestan conducted the 9th campaign (4th season of excavation) at Kal-e Chendar with the purpose of:

  1. resuming excavations in the trenches opened in 2015 (8th campaign);
  2. continuing the survey started in 2012 (5th campaign);
  3. continuing the topography started in 2013 (6th campaign).

During the 8th campaign, two of the trenches dug in 2014 (Trenches 8 and 9) were extended, and four new trenches (Trenches 10, 11, 12, 13) were opened. Additionally, a small tomb in the area of Trench 10 was partially excavated in emergency conditions, as the site was subject to recent illegal digging. During the 9th campaign, investigations focussed on Trench 13 and the area north of it.

In Trench 13, located west of Trench 9, where two platforms of great interest had already been identified during the previous campaign, a third similar structure was unearthed. The complex therefore consists of three square platforms: the first with niches and pilasters, the second with a small staircase, and the third, identified this year, articulated in steps. Based on their features, they can be interpreted as large platforms built to support altars. These structures, which are still preserved up one metre in height, were probably designed to support small cultic installations clearly related to the funerary complex. A stone betyl was found near the western platform and a small column along its southern side. These could be the remains of the architectural decoration and paraphernalia of small chapels or altars. However, it cannot be ruled out that these three platforms were epitymbia, although of considerable dimensions. The aim of future excavations will be to investigate the area surrounding the platforms to better understand their function.

North of Trench 13 the Iranian members of the expedition investigated two monumental tombs (T26 and T28 in Trenches 14, 15, 18) which had been heavily looted. At the entrance of one of them, the stone door was still in situ, with heavy hinges and a front side carved in a similar way as the door found in the complex of T24. The most interesting aspect of the complex of T26 and T28 is its layout. T26 is built against the natural slope, while T28 against the low terrace supporting the platforms discovered in Trench 13. Both open on a small open area, accessed via a north-south corridor. This further confirms that tombs were part of larger complexes. In this context, the presence of corridors or paths connecting the tombs should be further emphasised and considered with the cultic installations discovered in Trench 13. Taken together, these archaeological vestiges indicate the existence of a large sacred and burial complex, which probably grew around the main sanctuary located on the monumental terraces in the highest part of the site, especially on the main Stein Terrace.

During the ongoing surveys, a noteworthy discovery was made at the southern end of the dejection cone where the site is situated. A cluster of abandoned houses in an area called Saleh Vand was identified, which is believed to date back to a few decades ago. These houses partially re-use ancient structures which need to be further investigated, as they could be the remnants of an ancient dwellings built near a spring and the now-dry stream.

Tenth campaign (study of excavated materials)

September – November 2017

In this campaign the activity of the MCIIK focussed on the preliminary study of the excavated materials. During the excavations at Kal-e Chendar, different types of potsherds were found, dating from the beginning of the Hellenistic period (end of 4th century BCE) to the Late Parthian period (second half of the 2nd century CE). Complete and semi-complete pottery vessels were mostly found in tombs, together with other grave goods, while only a limited number of potsherds and finds were retrieved in non-funerary contexts – such as in Trenches 1 and 3 –  because of the compressed stratigraphy at the site and the heavy disturbance of the upper layers due to the agricultural exploitation of the area or to illicit diggings. Diagnostic sherds were classified on the basis of their type and ware: four classes were identified, including common and glazed wares. Vessels belonging to the latter are particularly interesting for their close similarities to those produced in the plain of Susa and/or in Mesopotamia. Additional research will enable us to confirm the existence of imported vessels, but it seems that the funerary artefacts at Kal-e Chendar were crafted to meet the high quality demand of a wealthy clientele.

Archaeometric analyses were also conducted in the laboratories of the Departments of Chemistry and Physics of the University of Turin, in partnership with the Department of Historical Studies. These analyses included SEM observations, PCA, and petrography, and allowed to verify the chemical composition of the glazed surfaces and of ware and temper. These were performed with the purpose of acquiring new data to compare to those from geographically close sites, like Majid-e Sulayman and Bard-e Neshandeh (Khuzestan), preserved at the Louvre in Paris, and from reference sites in Mesopotamia like Babylon (Iraq). It is interesting to note how the classification of wares obtained from PCA confirms that established through more conventional methods.

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