The Survey of Qaleh (Ghalee) Tepe in Sīstān: Chronology and Analysis of Findings

Abstract

Abstract The Sīstān Plain in south-eastern Iran with its suitable living conditions and fertility was an important contact zone and home of human societies in many periods of history. Despite numerous archaeological activities in this region, the chronology and the history of occupation are still ambiguous. Hence it is necessary to conduct more systematic studies on the pre-Islamic sites. The present project uses field and analytical research methods to gain new insights; data has been collected from both new fieldwork and the evaluation of documented sites. The new field work included some soundings dug for determining the extent of Bībī Dōst, and a survey in the southern part of the Bībī Dōst area, in Qaleh (Ghalee) Tepe. All the information and data related to Qaleh Tepe, including previous studies, geographical literature, and pottery references have been collected. The ceramic indicates that Qaleh Tepe was occupied during the Parthian and Sasanid periods and that, after a long hiatus, the southern part of this site was used as a cemetery in the later Islamic era.