Cave of Settlement New
Chalcolithic (4500–3300 BCE)·Chalcolithic·🇮🇷 Fars Province, Iran
About
About Cave of Settlement New
Cave of Settlement New in Fars Province, Iran is a Chalcolithic (4500–3300 BCE) cave attributed to Chalcolithic culture. Systematically investigated through systematic survey and test trenching, it presents a principal enclosure with ancillary settlement. UNESCO World Heritage context. Construction employs cyclopean blocks and demonstrates long-distance exchange. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans verify location and chronology.
Why it mattersKey Chalcolithic cave with stratified sequence and regional significance.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Population scale vs catchment
- 02Function as ceremonial vs domestic centre
Theories
- 01Trading entrepôt and regional hub
- 02Astronomical observatory and calendar
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 3635 BCE
- Period
- Chalcolithic (4500–3300 BCE)
- Culture
- Chalcolithic
- Purpose
- Necropolis and ritual
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 3635 BCE
Initial construction and primary occupation
c. 2835 BCE
Major expansion and monumental elaboration
c. 586 BCE
Rebuilding and fortification phase
2020
Modern archaeological excavation and survey
On the ground
Structures & features
30.7357° N · 54.1874° E · 1499 m · 3 mapped features
Granary Cluster
stelaAncillary reservoir associated with main monument
30.7327° N · 54.1861° EEnclosure Wall
structureOutlier feature with standing stones
30.7339° N · 54.1883° EEnclosure Wall 3
courtyardPrimary cave at Cave of Settlement New — megalithic chamber
30.7375° N · 54.1881° E