Shah Tepe
Shah Tepe
Neolithic to Sasanian (5000 BCE–600 CE)·Gorgan Bronze–Iron·🇮🇷 Golestan Province, Gorgan Plain, Iran
About
About Shah Tepe
Shah Tepe in Golestan Province, Gorgan Plain, Iran is a Neolithic to Sasanian (5000 BCE–600 CE) tell of Gorgan Bronze–Iron tradition. Gorgan plain type-site linking Hissar–Anau–Namazga. 5000 BCE, the site forms a stratified mound/karst mound 220×180 m, 9 m, neolithic–bronze–sasanian, hissar related. Excavations since the mid-20th c. expose mudbrick with shah tepe black-on-red, hissar grey ware, iron slag architecture with diagnostic ceramics, lithics and administrative finds.
Archaeobotany and radiocarbon anchor the sequence, informing regional Gorgan Bronze–Iron networks across the Golestan Province. Threats include agriculture, erosion, urban expansion; research continues on Gorgan Bronze–Iron chronology.
Why it mattersType-site for Gorgan Bronze–Iron Neolithic to Sasanian (5000 BCE–600 CE) in Golestan Province, Gorgan Plain; key for chronology, technology and interaction.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology of Gorgan Bronze–Iron 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
- Neolithic to Sasanian (5000 BCE–600 CE)
- Culture
- Gorgan Bronze–Iron
- Purpose
- Gorgan plain type-site linking Hissar–Anau–Namazga
- 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
36.9500° N · 54.4000° E · 30 m · 3 mapped features
Shah Tepe — Central Mound
tellCentral mound with stratified architecture Levels I–IV
36.9504° N · 54.4005° EShah Tepe — Lower Town Workshop
workshopWorkshop/midden with pottery, slag or lithics
36.9494° N · 54.3994° EShah Tepe — Cemetery/Gate
cemeteryExtramural cemetery or gate area
36.9502° N · 54.3992° E
Gallery