Possible Role of the Main Makran Fault in the Collapse of the Ancient Civilizations Along the Makran Shoreline

Abstract

The Makran is the location of ancient civilizations and one of the most important tsunamigenic zones in the world.Historical and instrumental records indicate the occurrence of large earthquakes on the main Makran fault and theresulting tsunamis but the accuracy of a number of these has been questioned. Geological and tectonics studiesalone cannot confirm the occurrence of paleo-tsunamis. Archaeological data showing the collapse of the ancientcivilizations along with geological records of paleo-tsunami can be of great help to have a better understanding thisphenomenon in the future. The interaction of geology and archaeology can lead to a re-reading of the history oftsunamis which have influenced coastal civilizations, so provide a better estimate of the occurrence of tsunamis andtheir catastrophe in the future. Thus, to assess the environmental causes for the collapse of the ancient civilizationsin the Makran shoreline, it is necessary to support geoarchaeological studies.

Keywords

• makran fault
• tsunami
• ancient cvilization
• tectonic archaeology