Pisdeli Tepe
Pisdeli Tepe
Middle Chalcolithic (5000–4000 BCE)·Dalma–Pisdeli Chalcolithic·🇮🇷 West Azerbaijan, Urmia Plain, Iran
About
About Pisdeli Tepe
Pisdeli Tepe in West Azerbaijan, Urmia Plain, Iran is a Middle Chalcolithic (5000–4000 BCE) tell of Dalma–Pisdeli Chalcolithic tradition. Type-site for Pisdeli Chalcolithic bridging Dalma and Ubaid. 5000 BCE, the site forms a stratified mound/karst mound 140×110 m, 6 m dalma–pisdeli chalcolithic. Excavations since the mid-20th c. expose wattle-and-daub with dalma painted and pisdeli plain ware architecture with diagnostic ceramics, lithics and administrative finds.
Archaeobotany and radiocarbon anchor the sequence, informing regional Dalma–Pisdeli Chalcolithic networks across the West Azerbaijan. Threats include agriculture, erosion; research continues on Dalma–Pisdeli Chalcolithic chronology.
Why it mattersType-site for Dalma–Pisdeli Chalcolithic Middle Chalcolithic (5000–4000 BCE) in West Azerbaijan, Urmia Plain; key for chronology, technology and interaction.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology of Dalma–Pisdeli 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.5000 BCE
- Period
- Middle Chalcolithic (5000–4000 BCE)
- Culture
- Dalma–Pisdeli Chalcolithic
- Purpose
- Type-site for Pisdeli Chalcolithic bridging Dalma and Ubaid
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c.5000 BCE
Initial construction / first occupation
c.1200 BCE
Major expansion / fortification phase
20th c.
Systematic excavation begins
On the ground
Structures & features
37.6200° N · 45.0800° E · 1330 m · 3 mapped features
Pisdeli Tepe — Central Mound
tellCentral mound with stratified architecture Levels I–IV
37.6204° N · 45.0805° EPisdeli Tepe — Lower Town Workshop
workshopWorkshop/midden with pottery, slag or lithics
37.6194° N · 45.0794° EPisdeli Tepe — Cemetery/Gate
cemeteryExtramural cemetery or gate area
37.6202° N · 45.0792° E