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year 9, Issue 33 (12-2025)                   Parseh J. Archaeol. Stud. 2025, 9(33): 221-253 | Back to browse issues page


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Janjan M, Afkhami B, Hajizadeh K. (2025). Reassessment and Analysis of the Seleucid Tumulus at Naqqārechi Tepe, Nahavand (Based on the Qajar Period Exploratory Report and Two Seasons of Archaeological Excavations). Parseh J. Archaeol. Stud.. 9(33), 221-253. doi:10.61882/PJAS.172.1457
URL: http://journal.richt.ir/mbp/article-1-1457-en.html
1- Ph.D. student in Archaeology, Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
2- Professor, Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran (Corresponding Author). , bafkhami@uma.ac.ir
3- Professor, Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
Abstract:   (592 Views)

The Naqqārechi Tepe, located on the southern outskirts of Nahavand, is among the surviving remains of the Seleucid period. Although it lacks visible surface evidence and recognizable cultural materials, a detailed account of its exploration during the Qajar era does exist. According to the report by Dr. Feuvrier and Moḥammad-Ḥasan Khan Eʿtemād-al-Salṭana (1309 AH), which accurately describes and illustrates the structural characteristics of the site and correctly identifies its historical period, the Naqqārechi Tepe may represent a tomb or tumulus belonging to one of the Seleucid commanders. A careful examination of this structure offers insights into the burial methods and funerary practices of Seleucid society. The Tepe was re-excavated in two archaeological seasons in 2019 and 2022 in order to reassess the buried structure and to critically re-read the Qajar-period descriptive account. This reconsideration aims to enhance our understanding of Seleucid architecture and cultural traditions in Iran. The main research questions, based on existing hypotheses, include: Does the buried tomb at Naqqārechi originate from Greek cultural traditions? How does the architectural design of the Tepe relate to similar Greek tumuli? Accordingly, the study proposes the hypothesis that the Naqqārechi Tepe is a tumulus, likely containing the burial of a Seleucid military commander or satrap of the region. Archaeological evidence and structural features obtained from the site, in comparison with similar Greek examples, suggest that this tomb reflects Seleucid cultural and architectural traditions. The research methodology is based on a combination of fieldwork and library studies. The description and analysis of the findings follow a historical-analytical approach and rely on the results of two excavation seasons at Naqqārechi. The findings indicate that the Naqqārechi Tepe exhibits all the key characteristics of Hellenic tumuli. The construction of a dedicated funerary monument for a single individual, along with the preparation of a carved stone sarcophagus, demonstrates the high social and political status of the deceased—status comparable to that of military commanders, warriors, or even successors of Alexander.

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Type of Study: Research | Subject: Interdisciplinary
Received: 2025/03/7 | Accepted: 2025/06/6 | Published: 2025/12/22

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