Winter 2026
Meeting:
TTh 1:30pm - 3:20pm
SLN:
17582
Section Type:
Lecture
Joint Sections:
ARCHY 210 A
Syllabus Description (from Canvas):
Week 1: Introduction to the Course; Geography and History
January 6: Introduction and Geography of Iran/Persia
Blank Map of Iran for Practice
No Required Readings for Today
Optional Readings:
- D. Jones (2013) The Oxford Handbook of Ancient Iran, D.T. Potts ed., (Oxford University Press) “Key Questions Regarding the Paleo-Environment of Iran” Download D. Jones (2013) The Oxford Handbook of Ancient Iran, D.T. Potts ed., (Oxford University Press) “Key Questions Regarding the Paleo-Environment of Iran”
-
R. Matthews, H.F. Nashli (2022) The Archaeology of Iran from the Palaeolithic to the Achaemenid Empire, (Routledge World Archaeology) Ch. 2, "Placing Iran: Land, Environment and Ecology" pages 6-21
- T. Potts (2016) The Archaeology of Elam” “Environment, Climate and Resources” pages 14-46 Download T. Potts (2016) The Archaeology of Elam” “Environment, Climate and Resources” pages 14-46
January 8: History of Archaeology in Persia and Iran
Discussion: What were the reasons for the rise of archaeological study and excavations in Iran and the Middle East in the 19th and 20th centuries?
Required Readings:
Optional Readings
- Harrison (2010) “Reinventing Achaemenid Persia” in The World of Achaemenid Persia, J. Curtis and S. Simpson, eds., pages 21-32 Download Harrison (2010) “Reinventing Achaemenid Persia” in The World of Achaemenid Persia, J. Curtis and S. Simpson, eds., pages 21-32
- G. Majd (2003) The Great American Plunder of Persia’s Antiquities 1925-1941, “Introduction” pages 1-28 Download G. Majd (2003) The Great American Plunder of Persia’s Antiquities 1925-1941, “Introduction” pages 1-28
- Mousavi (2013) The Oxford Handbook of Ancient Iran, T. Potts ed., (Oxford University Press) “The History of Archaeological Research in Iran: A Brief Survey” Download Mousavi (2013) The Oxford Handbook of Ancient Iran, T. Potts ed., (Oxford University Press) “The History of Archaeological Research in Iran: A Brief Survey”
Week 2: The Prehistoric Period
January 13: The Paleolithic Period
Map Quiz at the Start of Class
Discussion: What unique information does the study of Paleolithic Iran give us about the rise of hominid and human cultures?
Required Readings:
Optional Readings:
- J. Conrad, E. Ghasidian, S. Heydari-Guran (2013) The Oxford Handbook of Ancient Iran, D.T. Potts ed., (Oxford University Press) “The Paleolithic of Iran” Download J. Conrad, E. Ghasidian, S. Heydari-Guran (2013) The Oxford Handbook of Ancient Iran, D.T. Potts ed., (Oxford University Press) “The Paleolithic of Iran”
- Otte, F. Biglari, J. Jaubert Iran Paleolithic, International Union of Prehistoric and Protohistoric Sciences
January 15: Class Canceled
Week 3: Neolithic Iran
January 20: The Neolithic Revolution
Discussion: What is the so-called “Neolithic Revolution” and what was Iran’s place in it?
Required Readings:
- F. Nashli and R. Matthews (2013) “The Neolithisation of Iran: Patterns of Change and Continuity.” In R. Matthews and H..F. Nashli (eds) The Neolithisation of Iran: The Formation of New Societies, Oxbow Books, pages 1-13 Download F. Nashli and R. Matthews (2013) “The Neolithisation of Iran: Patterns of Change and Continuity.” In R. Matthews and H..F. Nashli (eds) The Neolithisation of Iran: The Formation of New Societies, Oxbow Books, pages 1-13
Optional Readings
- Alizadeh (2003) Excavations at the Prehistoric Mound of Chogha Bonut, Khuzestan, Iran, Seasons 1976/77, 1977/78, and 1996 [Oriental Institute Publications 12], “Preface” and “Introduction” pages 1-12 Download Alizadeh (2003) Excavations at the Prehistoric Mound of Chogha Bonut, Khuzestan, Iran, Seasons 1976/77, 1977/78, and 1996 [Oriental Institute Publications 12], “Preface” and “Introduction” pages 1-12
- R. Matthews, H.F. Nashli (2022) The Archaeology of Iran from the Palaeolithic to the Achaemenid Empire, (Routledge World Archaeology) Ch. 5 "Domesticating Iran: The Neolithic Period, 10,000-5200 BC" pages 54-110.
- R. Weeks (2013) The Oxford Handbook of Ancient Iran, D.T. Potts ed., (Oxford University Press) “The Development and Expansion of a Neolithic Way of Life” Download R. Weeks (2013) The Oxford Handbook of Ancient Iran, D.T. Potts ed., (Oxford University Press) “The Development and Expansion of a Neolithic Way of Life”
- Young and H.F. Nashli (2013) “Animals and People in the Neolithisation of Iran.” In R. Matthews and H..F. Nashli (eds) The Neolithisation of Iran: The Formation of New Societies, Oxbow Books, pages 178-188 Download Young and H.F. Nashli (2013) “Animals and People in the Neolithisation of Iran.” In R. Matthews and H..F. Nashli (eds) The Neolithisation of Iran: The Formation of New Societies, Oxbow Books, pages 178-188
January 22: Archaeological Spotlight: Sheikh-e Abad
In-class graded group work
See the Assignment Page for Discussion Questions to Consider
Research Questions for In-Class Assignment
Required Readings:
Week 4: The Rise of Elam and Susa
January 27: Bronze Age Iran and the Rise of Elam
Discussion: How does Bronze Age Iran differ from the Neolithic era?
Required Readings:
Optional Readings:
- Álverez-Mon (2012) A Companion to the Archaeology of the Ancient Near East (Wiley Blackwell), D.T. Potts, ed., “Elam: Iran’s First Empire” pages 740-757 Download Álverez-Mon (2012) A Companion to the Archaeology of the Ancient Near East (Wiley Blackwell), D.T. Potts, ed., “Elam: Iran’s First Empire” pages 740-757
- R. Matthews, H.F. Nashli (2022) The Archaeology of Iran from the Palaeolithic to the Achaemenid Empire, (Routledge World Archaeology) Ch. 8 "People on the move: prehistoric networks of Bronze Age Iran, 3400-1100 BC)" pages 236-285
- T. Potts (2016) The Archaeology of Elam: Formation and Transformation of an Ancient Iranian State (Cambridge World Archaeology), Chapter 1 “Elam, What, When, Where?’ pages 1-13 Download . Potts (2016) The Archaeology of Elam: Formation and Transformation of an Ancient Iranian State (Cambridge World Archaeology), Chapter 1 “Elam, What, When, Where?’ pages 1-13 and “The Kingdom of Susa and Anshan” pages 176-197 Download “The Kingdom of Susa and Anshan” pages 176-197
- Steinkeller, P. "The Birth of Elam in History" in The Elamite World, edited by Javier Álvarez-Mon, Gian Pietro Basello, Yasmina Wicks, Routledge, pages 177-202. Download Steinkeller, P. "The Birth of Elam in History" in The Elamite World, edited by Javier Álvarez-Mon, Gian Pietro Basello, Yasmina Wicks, Routledge, pages 177-202.
- G. Summers (2013) The Oxford Handbook of Ancient Iran, D.T. Potts ed., (Oxford University Press) "The Early Bronze Age in Northwestern Iran"
- C.P. Thornton (2013) The Oxford Handbook of Ancient Iran, D.T. Potts ed., (Oxford University Press) "The Early Bronze Age in Northeastern Iran"
- D.T. Potts (2013) The Oxford Handbook of Ancient Iran, D.T. Potts ed., (Oxford University Press) Luristan and the Central Zagros in the Bronze Age"
- J. Alvarez-Mon (2013) The Oxford Handbook of Ancient Iran, D.T. Potts ed., (Oxford University Press) "Khuzestan in the Bronze Age"
- B. McCall (2013) The Oxford Handbook of Ancient Iran, D.T. Potts ed., (Oxford University Press) "Bronze Age Fars"
January 29: Elam from the Global Perspective
Discussion Question: What role did Elam and the Elamite empire have in the greater Middle Eastern and Indus Valley cultural spheres?
Required Readings:
Optional Readings:
- McCall (2013) “Re-Assessing Elamite Highland Boundaries: New Evidence for the Middle and Neo-Elamite Periods in the Mamasani Valleys, South-Western Iran” In K.D. Gaef, J. Tavernier (eds.) Susa and Elam: Archaeological, Philological, Historical and Geographical Perspective: Proceedings of the International Congress Held at Ghent University, December 14-17, 2009, Brill. Pages 191-205 Download McCall (2013) “Re-Assessing Elamite Highland Boundaries: New Evidence for the Middle and Neo-Elamite Periods in the Mamasani Valleys, South-Western Iran” In K.D. Gaef, J. Tavernier (eds.) Susa and Elam: Archaeological, Philological, Historical and Geographical Perspective: Proceedings of the International Congress Held at Ghent University, December 14-17, 2009, Brill. Pages 191-205
- Bryce 2003 Letters of the Great Kings of the Ancient Near East, “The Interaction of the Players: Imperial Administration and International Relationships” pages 38-49 and “The Club of Royal Brothers” pages 70-88 Download Bryce 2003 Letters of the Great Kings of the Ancient Near East, “The Interaction of the Players: Imperial Administration and International Relationships” pages 38-49 and “The Club of Royal Brothers” pages 70-88
Week 5: Susa
February 3: Archaeological Spotlight: Susa
In-class graded group work
See the Assignment Page for Discussion Questions to Consider
Required Readings:
- Thone 1930 “Susa: Oldest City on Earth, Tells About Early Culture” The Science News-Letter, 18:505, pages 374-375+382 Download Thone 1930 “Susa: Oldest City on Earth, Tells About Early Culture” The Science News-Letter, 18:505, pages 374-375+382
- P. Peters 1915 “Excavations in Persia” The Harvard Theological Review 8:1, pages 82- 93 Download P. Peters 1915 “Excavations in Persia” The Harvard Theological Review 8:1, pages 82- 93
- Scheil 1904 “Excavations Made by the French in Susa and Babylonia, 1902-1903” The Biblical World 24:2, pages 146-152 Download Scheil 1904 “Excavations Made by the French in Susa and Babylonia, 1902-1903” The Biblical World 24:2, pages 146-152
February 5: In-Class Midterm
Week 6: The Medes
February 10: The Median Period - Who were the Medes?
Directions for the Archaeological Site Report
Discussion: What are the unique cultural attributes of the Median period?
Required Readings:
Optional Readings
- Genito (1986) “The Medes: A Reassessment of the Archaeological Evidence” East and West 36:1/3, pages 11-81 Download Genito (1986) “The Medes: A Reassessment of the Archaeological Evidence” East and West 36:1/3, pages 11-81
- Liverani (2003) “The Rise and Fall of Media.” In G.B. Lanfranchi, M. Roaf, R. Rollinger (eds.) Continuity of Empire: Assyria, Media, Persia, History of the Ancient Near East, Monographs V, pages 1-12 Download Liverani (2003) “The Rise and Fall of Media.” In G.B. Lanfranchi, M. Roaf, R. Rollinger (eds.) Continuity of Empire: Assyria, Media, Persia, History of the Ancient Near East, Monographs V, pages 1-12
- Roaf (2003) “The Median Dark Age” In G.B. Lanfranchi, M. Roaf, R. Rollinger (eds.) Continuity of Empire: Assyria, Media, Persia, History of the Ancient Near East, Monographs V, pages 13-22 Download Roaf (2003) “The Median Dark Age” In G.B. Lanfranchi, M. Roaf, R. Rollinger (eds.) Continuity of Empire: Assyria, Media, Persia, History of the Ancient Near East, Monographs V, pages 13-22
February 12: The Origins of the Achaemenid Period
Discussion Question: What cultural and political circumstances allowed the Achaemenid empire to prosper?
Required Readings:
Optional Readings:
- A. Dandamaev and V.G. Lukonin (1989) The Culture and Social Institutions of Ancient Iran. Cambridge University Press. Chapter 2 “The Social Institutions and Economic Structure of the Achaemenid Empire,” pages 90-116 only Download A. Dandamaev and V.G. Lukonin (1989) The Culture and Social Institutions of Ancient Iran. Cambridge University Press. Chapter 2 “The Social Institutions and Economic Structure of the Achaemenid Empire,” pages 90-116 only
- Cutis and N. Spencer (2005) Forgotten Empire: The World of Ancient Persia, J. Curtis and N. Tallis, eds. (University of California Press) “The Archaeology of the Achaemenid Period,” pages 30-50 Download Cutis and N. Spencer (2005) Forgotten Empire: The World of Ancient Persia, J. Curtis and N. Tallis, eds. (University of California Press) “The Archaeology of the Achaemenid Period,” pages 30-50
- Waters (2013) The Oxford Handbook of Ancient Iran, D.T. Potts ed., (Oxford University Press) “Elam, Assyria and Babylonia in the Early First Millennium BC” Download Waters (2013) The Oxford Handbook of Ancient Iran, D.T. Potts ed., (Oxford University Press) “Elam, Assyria and Babylonia in the Early First Millennium BC”
Week 7: Achaemenid Culture
February 17: Culture of the Achaemenid Period
Discussion: How did the culture of the Achaemenid people contribute to the power of the empire?
Required Readings:
- Razmjou (2013) Curtis J. & Tallis N. (eds.), Forgotten Empire. The World of Ancient Persia, (British Museum Press) “Religion and Burial Customs” pages 150-180 Download Razmjou (2013) Curtis J. & Tallis N. (eds.), Forgotten Empire. The World of Ancient Persia, (British Museum Press) “Religion and Burial Customs” pages 150-180
- Razmjou (2013) Curtis J. & Tallis N. (eds.), Forgotten Empire. The World of Ancient Persia, (British Museum Press) “Transport and Warfare” pages 210-235 Download Razmjou (2013) Curtis J. & Tallis N. (eds.), Forgotten Empire. The World of Ancient Persia, (British Museum Press) “Transport and Warfare” pages 210-235
Optional Readings:
- G. Kreyenbroek (2010) The World of Achaemenid Persia: The Diversity of Ancient Iran, J. Curtis and S. Simpson eds., (I.B. Taurus) “Zoroastrianism under the Achaemenians: A Non-Essentialist Approach” pages 103-110 Download G. Kreyenbroek (2010) The World of Achaemenid Persia: The Diversity of Ancient Iran, J. Curtis and S. Simpson eds., (I.B. Taurus) “Zoroastrianism under the Achaemenians: A Non-Essentialist Approach” pages 103-110
- D. Baker (2010) The World of Achaemenid Persia: The Diversity of Ancient Iran, J. Curtis and S. Simpson eds., (I.B. Taurus) “The Social Dimensions of Babylonian Domestic Architecture in the Neo-Babylonian and Achaemenid Periods” pages 179-194 Download D. Baker (2010) The World of Achaemenid Persia: The Diversity of Ancient Iran, J. Curtis and S. Simpson eds., (I.B. Taurus) “The Social Dimensions of Babylonian Domestic Architecture in the Neo-Babylonian and Achaemenid Periods” pages 179-194
- Nagel (2013) The Oxford Handbook of Ancient Iran, T. Potts ed., (Oxford University Press) “Color and Gilding in Achaemenid Architecture and Sculpture” Download Nagel (2013) The Oxford Handbook of Ancient Iran, T. Potts ed., (Oxford University Press) “Color and Gilding in Achaemenid Architecture and Sculpture”
- B. Garrison (2000) “Achaemenid Iconography as Evidenced by Glyptic Art: Subject Matter, Social Function, Audience and Diffusion” In C. Uehlinger (ed) Images as Media: Sources for the Cultural History of the Near Eastern and Mediterranean (1st millennium BCE), pages 115-163 Download B. Garrison (2000) “Achaemenid Iconography as Evidenced by Glyptic Art: Subject Matter, Social Function, Audience and Diffusion” In C. Uehlinger (ed) Images as Media: Sources for the Cultural History of the Near Eastern and Mediterranean (1st millennium BCE), pages 115-163
February 19: Class Cancelled
Week 8: Achaemenid Culture and Beyond
February 24: Archaeological Spotlight: Persepolis
In-class graded group work
See the Assignment Page for Discussion Questions to Consider
Group 5: The Terrace, Gate, and Defensive System
Required Readings:
- Look over the website Persepolis Reimagined Links to an external site.
- Razmjou (2010) The World of Achaemenid Persia: The Diversity of Ancient Iran, J. Curtis and S. Simpson eds., (I.B. Taurus) “Persepolis: A Reinterpretation of Palaces and Their Function.” Download Razmjou (2010) The World of Achaemenid Persia: The Diversity of Ancient Iran, J. Curtis and S. Simpson eds., (I.B. Taurus) “Persepolis: A Reinterpretation of Palaces and Their Function.”
- Schmidt, E.F. (1953) Persepolis Vol. 1: Structures, Reliefs, Inscriptions. Read over especially the Preface, and the Summary Log of the Persepolis Expedition, pages 1-6. Look over the rest of the book Download Schmidt, E.F. (1953) Persepolis Vol. 1: Structures, Reliefs, Inscriptions. Read over especially the Preface, and the Summary Log of the Persepolis Expedition, pages 1-6. Look over the rest of the book
February 26: The Rise of the Seleucids
Discussion: Besides political issues, what other cultural aspects contributed to the downfall of the Achaemenid period and the rise of the Seleucid period?
Required Readings:
Optional Readings:
- Callieri and A. Askari-Chaverdi (2013), Media, Khuzestan, and Fars Between the End of the Achaemenids and the Rise of the Sasanians” The Oxford Handbook of Ancient Iran, D.T. Potts ed., (Oxford University Press) Download Callieri and A. Askari-Chaverdi (2013), Media, Khuzestan, and Fars Between the End of the Achaemenids and the Rise of the Sasanians” The Oxford Handbook of Ancient Iran, D.T. Potts ed., (Oxford University Press)
- Hannestad (2012), “The Seleucid Kingdom” A Companion to the Archaeology of the Ancient Near East (Wiley Blackwell), D.T. Potts, ed. pages 984-1000 Download Hannestad (2012), “The Seleucid Kingdom” A Companion to the Archaeology of the Ancient Near East (Wiley Blackwell), D.T. Potts, ed. pages 984-1000
Week 9: The Arsacids to Sassanids
March 3: Culture in the Arsacid (Parthian) Period
Discussion: What information is still unknown about the archaeology and culture of the Arsacid period?
Required Readings:
- R. Hauser (2012) A Companion to the Archaeology of the Ancient Near East (Wiley Blackwell), D.T. Potts, ed. “The Arsacid (Parthian) Empire” pages 1001-1020 Download R. Hauser (2012) A Companion to the Archaeology of the Ancient Near East (Wiley Blackwell), D.T. Potts, ed. “The Arsacid (Parthian) Empire” pages 1001-1020
March 5: The Sassanids and Pre-Islamic Iran
Discussion: What are the cultural attributes of Iran at the dawn of the Islamic period? How did the culture of the Sassanid period contribute to the rise of Islam?
Required Readings:
- Roaf (1997) The Art and Archaeology of Ancient Persia: New Light on the Parthian and Sasanian Empires, C. Vesta, M. Rodgers, R. Hillenbrand, eds., (St. Martin’s Press) “Persepolitan Echoes in Sasanian Architecture: Did the Sasanians Attempt to Re-create the Achaemenid Empire” pages 1-7 Download Roaf (1997) The Art and Archaeology of Ancient Persia: New Light on the Parthian and Sasanian Empires, C. Vesta, M. Rodgers, R. Hillenbrand, eds., (St. Martin’s Press) “Persepolitan Echoes in Sasanian Architecture: Did the Sasanians Attempt to Re-create the Achaemenid Empire” pages 1-7
- M. R. Shayegan (2013) The Oxford Handbook of Ancient Iran, D.T. Potts ed., (Oxford University Press) “Sasanian Political Ideology”
Optional Readings
- Mousavi and T. Daryaee (2012) A Companion to the Archaeology of the Ancient Near East (Wiley Blackwell), D.T. Potts, ed., “The Sasanian Empire: An Archaeological Survey, c.220-640” pages 1076-1094 Download Mousavi and T. Daryaee (2012) A Companion to the Archaeology of the Ancient Near East (Wiley Blackwell), D.T. Potts, ed., “The Sasanian Empire: An Archaeological Survey, c.220-640” pages 1076-1094
Week 10: Archaeology in Modern Iran
March 10: Iranian Archaeology in the Modern Day
Discussion: If you could excavate a site in Iran from any time period, what would it be and why?
Required Readings:
- Soward (2014) Excavating an Empire: Achaemenid Persia in Longue Durée, T. Daryaee, A. Mousavi and K. Rezakhani, eds., [Mazda Publications], “Ancient Persia in Cinema” pages 211-233 Download Soward (2014) Excavating an Empire: Achaemenid Persia in Longue Durée, T. Daryaee, A. Mousavi and K. Rezakhani, eds., [Mazda Publications], “Ancient Persia in Cinema” pages 211-233
- P. Yazdi and O. Garazhian (2012) “Archaeology as an Imported Commodity: A Critical Approach to the Position of Archaeology in Iran” Forum Kritische Archaologie 1, pages 24-34 Download P. Yazdi and O. Garazhian (2012) “Archaeology as an Imported Commodity: A Critical Approach to the Position of Archaeology in Iran” Forum Kritische Archaologie 1, pages 24-34
March 12: In-Class Final
March 17: Archaeological Site Report Due by 11:59 pm, via Canvas
Catalog Description:
Introduction to the archaeology of ancient Iran (Persia) from the earliest inhabitants to the end of Sasanian period (circa10,000 BDE-651 CE). Covers the archaeology from various time periods in chronological order, with an emphasis on the archaeology and culture of the Achaemendid (Persian) period. Offered: jointly with ARCHY 210.
GE Requirements Met:
Social Sciences (SSc)
Credits:
5.0
Status:
Active
Last updated:
March 5, 2026 - 11:31 am