Relative Chronology Based on the Classification and Typology of the Chalcolithic Pottery of Tepe Morad Abad VIII, Orzuiyeh Plain (Kerman Province)

The Orzuiyeh Plain stands as a crucial region for understanding prehistoric, particularly Chalcolithic, settlements in southwestern Kerman Province. While sites like Gaz Tavileh, Morad Abad XII, and Vakil Abad have seen limited archaeological exploration, they have yielded insufficient data on the sequence of Chalcolithic occupation. To address this gap, a stratigraphic investigation of Tepe Morad Abad VIII, a prominent Chalcolithic mound in the area, was undertaken to establish a relative chronology and delve deeper into Chalcolithic life and pottery traditions. The mound's substantial depth and scattered pottery fragments suggested a lengthy occupation spanning multiple cultural periods, likely associated with the Yahya Pottery Culture. Through meticulous field and library research, a detailed analysis of pottery artifacts revealed a clear sequence of Chalcolithic occupation across ۶۰ distinct layers. Of the ۲۴۱۳ recovered sherds, ۹۱۸ underwent in-depth study, including drawing and classification. The findings indicate continuous habitation at Tepe Morad Abad VIII throughout Yahya Periods VI, VC, VB, and VA, spanning from the early to late Chalcolithic era, with an estimated timeframe of ۵۶۰۰ to ۴۲۰۰ BCE

کلیدواژه ها:

Orzuiyeh plain ، Moradabad VIII ، Tepe Yahya ، Moradabad river ، chalcolithic