Bestansur

Why it mattersShahrizor Early Neolithic 8th millennium centre bridging Zagros and Mesopotamian PPNB — courtyard architecture and burial under floors.

Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.

Built

PPNB town c.8000 BCE

Period

Early Neolithic (c.8000–7100 BCE; Bestansur horizon)

Culture

Pre-Pottery Neolithic B → Pottery Neolithic Shahrizor

Builders

Pre-Pottery Neolithic B communities

Purpose

Early Neolithic proto-urban centre on Shahrizor alluvium with plastered architecture

Rediscovered

Modern archaeological survey/ rescue

Excavation

Excavation ongoing

1. c.8000 BCE

   PPNB courtyard town founded

2. c.7500 BCE

   Plastered floor horizon peak

3. c.7100 BCE

   Abandonment

4. 2012

   Matthews CZAP excavation

• Bestansur — West workshopfortificationKey sub-area of Bestansur (Early Neolithic) showing Pre-Pottery Neolithic B horizon35.3193° N · 45.7198° E
• Bestansur — Ceremonial buildingworkshopKey sub-area of Bestansur (Early Neolithic) showing Pre-Pottery Neolithic B horizon35.3201° N · 45.7204° E
• Bestansur — Storage quartercave hallKey sub-area of Bestansur (Early Neolithic) showing Pre-Pottery Neolithic B horizon35.3209° N · 45.7210° E