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Abstract

This study advances the understanding of Iron Age glazed architectural traditions in northwestern Iran (Qalaichi, Rabat Hasanlu, Ziwiye) through a dual approach: archaeometric compositional analysis and archaeological art historical examination. It establishes a detailed catalogue of excavated elements, positioning them critically within the framework of Near Eastern archaeology. Crucially, the research incorporates not only newly published material but also vital unpublished records, ensuring a more complete foundation for analysis and interpretation. The archaeological contexts and origins of these glazed architectural elements are discussed in chapter 1. This includes an introductory overview of the relevant pottery, architecture and finding circumstances of each site. This chapter also briefly introduces the other known contemporary smaller sites. Chapter 2 summaries the historical sketch of glaze making in the ancient Near East focusing on Iran and Mesopotamia in the 2nd and 1st millennia BCE. Major chapter 3 investigates the glazed artefacts themselves, their shapes including tiles, bricks, nails, plaques and knobs as well as the figural, phyllomorphic, cuneiform, geometric motifs which adorn them. The comparisons between Rabat and Qalaichi glazes and the iconographic studies, the relevant parallel comparisons with the contemporary sites and the previous ones, especially Assyria are discussed at the end of the chapter. Before dealing with the technology of production in chapter 4, I introduce the definition of the vitreous materials related to glaze and the ancient, glazed materials. Followed by glazing methods and methods of glaze decoration and raw and batch material for glaze-making in the ancient Near East. Subsequently, chapter 5 is the main chapter on the archaeometric analyses of the glazed samples from north-western Iran. Methods included optical microscopy, electron probe microanalysis coupled with back-scattered electron imaging to understand the materials and their composition, as well as the weathering history. Glazed samples, archaeometric characteristics of the glazes and a summary of the sites Qalaichi, Rabat, Hasanlu and Ziwiye are discussed. Finally, in chapter 6, the conclusion, glazed artefacts as the most important representatives of the Mannean material culture are contextualised. The results of the archaeometric examination are integrated with the historical art studies. The characteristics of Mannean art history, material culture and crafts are compared with the contemporary, later and previous periods, particularly those of the Neo-Assyrians. The question is, are the Mannean art industry and material culture identifiable? It is necessary to gather the data regarding the political events and historic geography of Mannea and compare them with the archaeological sites and finds in the north-western part of Iran.