Tepe Arisman
Tepe Arisman
Early Bronze (3000–2500 BCE)·Early Bronze (Arisman–Sialk IV)·🇮🇷 Isfahan Province, Natanz, Iran
About
About Tepe Arisman
Tepe Arisman in Isfahan Province, Natanz, Iran is a Early Bronze (3000–2500 BCE) tell of Early Bronze (Arisman–Sialk IV) tradition. Early Bronze copper smelting centre feeding Sialk–Mesopotamia exchange. 3000 BCE, the site forms a stratified mound/karst mound 250×200 m, 9 m sialk iv–kura-araxes, slag heap 3 ha. Excavations since the mid-20th c. expose mudbrick and slag mound with sialk iv red ware, early bronze smelting furnaces architecture with diagnostic ceramics, lithics and administrative finds.
Archaeobotany and radiocarbon anchor the sequence, informing regional Early Bronze (Arisman–Sialk IV) networks across the Isfahan Province. Threats include mining, erosion, agriculture; research continues on Early Bronze (Arisman–Sialk IV) chronology.
Why it mattersType-site for Early Bronze (Arisman–Sialk IV) Early Bronze (3000–2500 BCE) in Isfahan Province, Natanz; key for chronology, technology and interaction.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology of Early Bronze (Arisman–Sialk IV) 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.3000 BCE
- Period
- Early Bronze (3000–2500 BCE)
- Culture
- Early Bronze (Arisman–Sialk IV)
- Purpose
- Early Bronze copper smelting centre feeding Sialk–Mesopotamia exchange
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c.3000 BCE
Initial construction / first occupation
c.1200 BCE
Major expansion / fortification phase
20th c.
Systematic excavation begins
On the ground
Structures & features
33.7500° N · 51.4800° E · 1080 m · 3 mapped features
Tepe Arisman — Central Mound
tellCentral mound with stratified architecture Levels I–IV
33.7504° N · 51.4805° ETepe Arisman — Lower Town Workshop
workshopWorkshop/midden with pottery, slag or lithics
33.7494° N · 51.4794° ETepe Arisman — Cemetery/Gate
cemeteryExtramural cemetery or gate area
33.7502° N · 51.4792° E