NEW PETROGLYPHS IN ZIAD ABAD AND HASSAN ROBAT PLAINS (ISFAHAN PROVINCE, IRAN)

Abstract

An evaluation of the engraved petroglyphs of Meymeh Plain in the Central of Iran, from field work in 2014

is presented. More petroglyphs were detected in South and South-West of Meymeh near the villages of Has

san Robāt and Ziād Abād on the old road Meymeh- Golpāyegān around the seasonal rivers locally called

Chāvorchan and Pāgodār that are dewatered today. The petroglyphs can be placed in three groups: animal,

human, and inscriptions related to the Islamic period which is introduced here. The research was conducted

using the archaeological and field methods. Two inscriptions of Islamic period and the painting of the ibex

on them can be helpful in dating the petroglyphs as engraving that has the highest frequency among the

paintings. Comparison of the stylistic of the ibex motif with the rock motifs in the other regions in the Near

East and its relationship with prehistoric settlements and its usage to the subsistence economy of the Neo

lithic, especially chalcolithic period implies that the ibex motif in the rock art has begun at least from the

Chalcolithic period. Another aspect of the mixture motifs used on the surface of the rocks in the Meymeh

plain is their symbolic style. To some extent, such a feature can be seen in their abstract images. The Central

plateau of Iran in the Islamic middle centuries was a part of the caravan's routes. Images of animals such as

camels and a rural with a suffix ''Robat'' (Cāravānsarā) with Islamic inscription in this area could be a reason

for depicting Cāravān (traveler) pathway in the past (Fifth Century AH/11th c AD).