A Study of Parthian Settlements of Northern Basin of Qizil Uzan in Vicinity of Upper Tarom, Zanjan-Iran

Abstract

Upper Tarom Valley is located in the northern regions of Zanjan province, between two mountain ranges parallel to Alborz. The Qizil Uzanriver flows from northwest to southeast, from amid the valley. Considering some particular geographical and geomorphological features of the region, as a micro-climate, archaeological studies of the region are of extra importance. An extensive systematic survey which has been carried out within the boundaries of Ab Bar and Darram rural districts – located in the Central District of Tarom County, the north side of Qizil Uzan- led to the identification of 39 archaeological sites, in 12 of which cultural traces of Parthian period had been discovered. Preliminary study of Parthian considered areas indicates persistent settlement during Parthian period. Furthermore, the 20 hectares area of Darram castle shows the key role of the surveyed area in late centuries of Parthian rule. Scrutinizing the Parthian pottery in the area also shows that the area’s pottery has been influenced by the pottery of north, northwest and west of Iran, as well as its’ own endogenous characteristics. Due to the environmental patterns of the settlement in the area, it seems that most of the population had lived by agricultural and horticultural occupations.

Keywords

• qizil uzan
• upper tarom
• zanjan province
• parthian areas
• parthian pottery