Stone and Water: a case study of integrated hydraulic structures within the Late Antique monumental architecture of the Bozpar Valley in South Iran

Document Type : Original Research Article

Author

Research fellow, University of Konstanz, Department of History, Archaeology of Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Cultures

10.22034/pa.2024.434627.1078

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a geoarchaeological study of the ancient hydraulic structures in the Bozpar Valley and an analysis of their relationship with the standing monuments, especially the two palatial structures known as Kushk-e Ardashir and Zendan-e Soleyman. It presents a raison d’être for each identified structure regarding its hydraulic function and physical integration within the monumental landscape. Then, it suggests an interpretative pattern in their spatial relation to the mentioned monumental structures.
The study area is a small and remote Valley in the Zagros highlands in south Iran. It borders the modern provinces of Fars and Bushehr and is historically associated with the Greater Fars region.
The monumental structures in this area belong to the Sasanian architectural tradition. Here, their integrated hydraulic structures are investigated interdisciplinary via remote sensing. The analysis indicates different functions for the two monuments: a representative and official kushk and a [seasonal] leisure palace. Based on the nature and function of the integrated hydraulic structures, the former monument seems to relate to food production activities and the latter to currently unidentified activities other than daily life. The results of this study provide further evidence of integrated hydraulic structures in Late Antique Iran and shall trigger comparative studies from neighbouring regions in the future.

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 11 March 2024
  • Receive Date: 08 January 2024
  • Revise Date: 11 March 2024
  • Accept Date: 11 March 2024