New Radiocarbon Evidence from Shahdad and the Earliest Datable Linear Elamite Text
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: In this paper, we report two 14 C-AMS dates obtained from samples of lead-based cosmetics found in two graves of Cemetery A at Shahdad (Kerman, Iran). Combined with ceramic comparisons, these new dates provide strong evidence that this graveyard was in use for most of the 3 rd millennium BCE. The earliest of the two funerary contexts – Grave 30 – dated by radiocarbon analysis to between the 30 th and the 27 th century BCE, also contained a ceramic vessel bearing a Linear Elamite inscription, which can thus be attributed to the early centuries of the 3 rd millennium BCE. This contradicts the traditional view that this writing system was created at the time of Puzur-Sušinak (second half of the 22 nd century BCE) and points instead to a many centuries-long history of Linear Elamite use during the Early Bronze Age on the Iranian Plateau.
DOI: 10.1515/za-2025-0012
Institutions: University of Tehran, University of Padua, University of Bologna
Language: English
Topic: Ancient Near East History
Subfield: Archeology
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,712
OpenAlex ID: W4416747438
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: