Archaeological survey of Qaraqiya castle and Parthian fortifications on the border of Zanjan communication pass
Subject Areas : Archaeology
Ali Norollahi
1
(Archaeologist and independent researcher)
Keywords: Parthian, Zanjan corridor, Qaraghieh castle, pottery custom,
Abstract :
Qaraghieh Castle is located on the heights of low Hill, the southern border of Zanjan Corridor and southeast of Zanjan City, and has a perfect view of it. In prehistoric and historical periods, this corridor has been the main route of communication between the northwest and the central and eastern regions of Iran and inverce. The existence of numerous castles in the heights of the border of this corridor shows its importance in commercial and cultural communication in this period. This castle, which is made of local materials, was created in the middle and late Parthian period with other castles in a continuous and coherent network on the heights overlooking the passage. In addition to providing security for trade and commerce, they have acted as a barrier against invasion to the interior areas when necessary. Probably, considering the political and military situation of this region and neighboring regions in the second half of the middle and late Parthian period, these castles had a strategic aspect and were built at the same time and in coordination with each other to deal with immediate and possible threats. The castles, which are made with affordable materials, are reflected. Along with the few architectural works that remained from the ruins of the stone and mud foundations of the castle, some pottery was also collected. These pottery include Clinky pottery, ordinary pottery, red and glazed pottery. The investigation and study of these pottery are technically comparable to the pottery of the North-East, North and Central regions as well as the West and North-West regions and are a reflection of the characteristics of the pottery of these regions. This issue comes from the fact that this area is the link between these areas and these pottery traditions that are popular in the aforementioned areas have met in this area and had a mutual effect.
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