Köhne Shahar (Köhne Pasgah Tepesi)
Köhne Shahar
Early Bronze (3500–2900 BCE)·Kura-Araxes Early Bronze·🇮🇷 East Azerbaijan, Moghan, Iran
About
About Köhne Shahar (Köhne Pasgah Tepesi)
Köhne Shahar (Köhne Pasgah Tepesi) in East Azerbaijan, Moghan, Iran is a Early Bronze (3500–2900 BCE) ancient-city of Kura-Araxes Early Bronze tradition. Gigantic Early Bronze walled city, largest Kura-Araxes centre in Iran. 3350 BCE, the site forms a stratified mound/karst fortified city 2000×1500 m, citadel 500×400 m, wall 12 km circuit, early bronze. Excavations since the mid-20th c. expose massive mudbrick rampart 8 m thick with bastions, casemate rooms, street grid architecture with diagnostic ceramics, lithics and administrative finds.
Archaeobotany and radiocarbon anchor the sequence, informing regional Kura-Araxes Early Bronze networks across the East Azerbaijan. Threats include agricultural encroachment, looting, erosion; research continues on Kura-Araxes Early Bronze chronology.
Why it mattersType-site for Kura-Araxes Early Bronze Early Bronze (3500–2900 BCE) in East Azerbaijan, Moghan; key for chronology, technology and interaction.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology of Kura-Araxes Early Bronze 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.3350 BCE
- Period
- Early Bronze (3500–2900 BCE)
- Culture
- Kura-Araxes Early Bronze
- Purpose
- Gigantic Early Bronze walled city, largest Kura-Araxes centre in Iran
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c.3350 BCE
Initial construction / first occupation
c.1200 BCE
Major expansion / fortification phase
20th c.
Systematic excavation begins
On the ground
Structures & features
38.2500° N · 47.3500° E · 1450 m · 3 mapped features
Köhne Shahar (Köhne Pasgah Tepesi) — Citadel Gate
gateMonumental gate with stone socle and mudbrick superstructure
38.2506° N · 47.3506° EKöhne Shahar (Köhne Pasgah Tepesi) — Palace/Barracks
palaceAshlar or timber-laced administrative building
38.2496° N · 47.3505° EKöhne Shahar (Köhne Pasgah Tepesi) — Lower Town
settlementExtramural lower town with workshop quarter
38.2492° N · 47.3492° E