Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Ph. D. Candidate in Archaeology, Department of Archaeology, SR.C., Islamic Azad university, Tehran, Iran
2
Assistant Professor, Department of Archaeology, Il. C., Islamic Azad university, Ilam, Iran
3
Assistant Professor, Department of Archaeology, Sho. C., Islamic Azad university, Shoushtar, Iran
10.22034/farhang.2025.519049.1784
Abstract
The emergence and development of megalithic cemeteries is one of the important cultural developments of the Central Zagros region at first half of the third millennium BC. So far, no comprehensive study has been conducted on these cemeteries and the nature of their formation is unclear. The subject of the present study is to introduce and explain the nature of the formation of these cemeteries, but since the most extensive and coherent archaeological studies related to these cemeteries have been conducted in Pusht-i Kuh, the cemeteries of this area were the criterion for the study. However, in introducing various aspects of the cemeteries, references have also been made to the findings discovered in the Pish-kuh areas. The main question is what is the nature of the formation of megalithic cemeteries? However, issues such as the form and structure of architecture as well as the typology of cemeteries have also been discussed. This study was conducted using field and documentary methods and in a descriptive-analytical manner.
According to the research findings, one of the important regional cultures that emerged as a result of the collapse of the Uruk culture is the Jamdat Nasr - Early Dynasties, which developed well in the areas of Hamrin, Diyala, Pusht-i Kuh and Dehloran and manifested itself in the emergence of a series of common customs and traditions. One of the important customs that became popular at this time is the use of tomb-shaped graves, the relevant evidence of which has been discovered in all areas of this area, especially in Pusht-i Kuh and Hamrin. Considering the local materials, brick tombs became popular in the foothill plains of Hamrin, Diyala, and Dehloran, and megalithic tombs in the mountainous area of Pusht-i Kuh, which spreads throughout the central Zagros as a result of the prosperity of the nomadic lifestyle. The amount of work and energy required to build megalithic tombs was considerable, indicating the existence of powerful societies that relied on coherent organization. It is likely that at this time there were various social groups in the central Zagros that left behind similar cultural features.
Keywords
