Chakhmaqlu Tepe
Chakhmaqlu Tepe
Chalcolithic (4500–3500 BCE)·NE Iran Chalcolithic·🇮🇷 North Khorasan, Jajarm, Iran
About
About Chakhmaqlu Tepe
Chakhmaqlu Tepe in North Khorasan, Jajarm, Iran is a Chalcolithic (4500–3500 BCE) tell of NE Iran Chalcolithic tradition. Jajarm steppe Chalcolithic mound on the Kopet Dagh front. Occupied from c.4500 BCE, the site forms a stratified mound/karst mound 130×110 m, 5 m chalcolithic. Excavations since the mid-20th c. expose mudbrick with chakhmaqlu painted ware, steppe chalcolithic architecture with diagnostic ceramics, lithics and administrative finds. Archaeobotany and radiocarbon anchor the sequence, informing regional NE Iran Chalcolithic networks across the North Khorasan. Threats include erosion, grazing, agriculture; research continues on NE Iran Chalcolithic chronology.
Why it mattersType-site for NE Iran Chalcolithic Chalcolithic (4500–3500 BCE) in North Khorasan, Jajarm; key for chronology, technology and interaction.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology of NE Iran Chalcolithic levels?
- 02Function of extramural cemetery?
Theories
- 01Demic diffusion vs local adoption
- 02Ritual aggregation centre
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.4500 BCE
- Period
- Chalcolithic (4500–3500 BCE)
- Culture
- NE Iran Chalcolithic
- Purpose
- Jajarm steppe Chalcolithic mound on the Kopet Dagh front
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c.4500 BCE
Initial construction / first occupation
c.1200 BCE
Major expansion / fortification phase
20th c.
Systematic excavation begins
On the ground
Structures & features
36.5000° N · 56.8000° E · 980 m · 3 mapped features
Chakhmaqlu Tepe — Central Mound
tellCentral mound with stratified architecture Levels I–IV
36.5004° N · 56.8005° EChakhmaqlu Tepe — Lower Town Workshop
workshopWorkshop/midden with pottery, slag or lithics
36.4994° N · 56.7994° EChakhmaqlu Tepe — Cemetery/Gate
cemeteryExtramural cemetery or gate area
36.5002° N · 56.7992° E