Identification and Ethology of Animals in Dur Untash: A Study of Footprints Preserved on the Bricks of the Chogha Zanbil World Heritage Site

Rokni, Mohammadreza

doi:10.22034/jinm.2026.2080323.1111

Identification and Ethology of Animals in Dur Untash: A Study of Footprints Preserved on the Bricks of the Chogha Zanbil World Heritage Site

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Mohammadreza Rokni

Iranian Center for Archaeological Research, Research Institute of Cultural Heritage and Tourism, Tehran

10.22034/jinm.2026.2080323.1111

Abstract

The historical site of Chogha Zanbil is well-known worldwide, and better understanding this historical site will help researchers and experts to reach the questions facing archaeology and history. The abundance and diversity of material culture in this site have always been surprising. Some of them are the most special archaeological works. One of this class of works is related to historical footprints left from the period of the establishment of the city of Dur Untash. Footprints are interesting in both human and animal species. For this reason, they were addressed in a research related to the “Cultural Heritage and Biodiversity” projects and with special goals in line with both the fields of animal behaviour and archaeology. In this program, an attempt was made to use animal behaviour studies in the historical site of Chogha Zanbil to examine part of the past environment and its characteristics during the establishment of the city. On the other hand, the cultural materials in this project revealed that historical traces have a special place in the culture and art of the Elamite civilization.

Keywords

Chogha Zanbil

Middle Ilam

Footprints

Biodiversity

Camel

Subjects