Tepe Sofalin (Tepe Pishva)
Tepe Sofalin · Tepe Pishva · Pishva
Late Chalcolithic (3500–3000 BCE)·Proto-Elamite / Late Uruk·🇮🇷 Tehran Province, Rey Plain, Iran
About
About Tepe Sofalin (Tepe Pishva)
Tepe Sofalin (Tepe Pishva) in Tehran Province, Rey Plain, Iran is a Late Chalcolithic (3500–3000 BCE) tell of Proto-Elamite / Late Uruk tradition. Rey Plain administrative centre with Proto-Elamite tablets and sealings. 3400 BCE, the site forms a stratified mound/karst mound 500×400 m, 10 m high, late chalcolithic–proto-elamite. Excavations since the mid-20th c. expose pisé mudbrick with proto-elamite tablets, sealings, uruk bevelled rim bowls architecture with diagnostic ceramics, lithics and administrative finds.
Archaeobotany and radiocarbon anchor the sequence, informing regional Proto-Elamite / Late Uruk networks across the Tehran Province. Threats include urban expansion, agriculture, erosion; research continues on Proto-Elamite / Late Uruk chronology.
Why it mattersType-site for Proto-Elamite / Late Uruk Late Chalcolithic (3500–3000 BCE) in Tehran Province, Rey Plain; key for chronology, technology and interaction.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology of Proto-Elamite / Late Uruk 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.3400 BCE
- Period
- Late Chalcolithic (3500–3000 BCE)
- Culture
- Proto-Elamite / Late Uruk
- Purpose
- Rey Plain administrative centre with Proto-Elamite tablets and sealings
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c.3400 BCE
Initial construction / first occupation
c.1200 BCE
Major expansion / fortification phase
20th c.
Systematic excavation begins
On the ground
Structures & features
35.3161° N · 51.7350° E · 966 m · 3 mapped features
Tepe Sofalin (Tepe Pishva) — Central Mound
tellCentral mound with stratified architecture Levels I–IV
35.3165° N · 51.7355° ETepe Sofalin (Tepe Pishva) — Lower Town Workshop
workshopWorkshop/midden with pottery, slag or lithics
35.3155° N · 51.7344° ETepe Sofalin (Tepe Pishva) — Cemetery/Gate
cemeteryExtramural cemetery or gate area
35.3163° N · 51.7342° E