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A study by Ali Vahdati and his colleagues, Raffaele Biscone, Roberto Dan, and Marie-Claude Trémouille analyzed the remains and artifacts contained in the richest burial ever excavated from the Greater Khorasan Civilization (GKC) site of Tepe Chalow.

The burial contained the remains of a young female, younger than 18 when she died. Her grave was discovered at the site of Tepe Chalow. The research is in the journal Iran.

Dr. Vahdati explains his initial interest in the site, saying, "What first drew my archaeological attention to the Chalow site was the presence of cultural materials associated with the so-called Bactria–Margiana Archaeological Complex (BMAC).

"As the name suggests, these materials were previously thought to be confined primarily to the regions of Margiana (modern Turkmenistan) and Bactria (northern Afghanistan and Uzbekistan). However, their discovery well beyond the Amu Darya basin, in extensive parts of eastern Iran, was highly significant and caught my interest immediately.

"It became clear that what had once been defined as a newly recognized civilization of Central Asia was, in fact, a major cultural horizon comparable in importance to the civilizations of Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley—extending deep into the eastern Iranian world.

"Given that this region later became historically known as Greater Khorasan during Late Antiquity and throughout the medieval period, my team and I proposed the term Greater Khorasan Civilization to describe this broad Bronze Age cultural phenomenon. This idea has since gained notable attention among archaeologists working in the region."

The GKC first emerged at the end of the third millennium BCE. It rapidly expanded and eventually encompassed the deltas of the Murghab River in Turkmenistan, the oasis regions of northern Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, and the highland valleys of northeastern Iran.

Dr. Vahdati continues, "By the early second millennium BCE, it had established far-reaching connections with other major contemporary civilizations, including the Indus Valley (Mohenjo-daro) and the early Mesopotamian dynasties, as well as the coastal communities along the Persian Gulf.

"Archaeological evidence for its wide-ranging trade networks is reflected in finds from Iraq, Pakistan, Iran, and the Persian Gulf littoral sites, indicating the circulation of raw materials and finished goods. The ancient name of this civilization is not yet firmly identified, but it may correspond to Marhashi, which is mentioned in Mesopotamian texts as a source of valuable raw materials such as chlorite."

Grave 12 at Tepe Chalow is one of a number of graves excavated so far; however, unlike any of the graves at the site, it is exceptionally furnished with grave goods, including a total of 34 artifacts. These encompass objects such as ivory pins, gold rings, gold earrings, bronze artifacts, stone artifacts made of chlorite, lapis lazuli, serpentine, and limestone, as well as pottery vessels.

Some of these grave goods are particularly detailed, such as a bronze pin shaped like a hand holding a 10-petaled rosette between the thumb and forefinger.

Similarly, one of three chlorite cosmetic containers was decorated with the motif of snakes and scorpions. Additionally, a stamp seal found near the neck was decorated with the relief of two human feet, with a circle between and a semicircle below them, enclosed in a round frame.

"Beyond the abundance of these items, the most striking element is the presence of several seals buried with her—a strong indication of her active role and social standing within the Bronze Age community. Seals in this context symbolize ownership and participation in trade networks," explains Dr. Vahdati.

Given that Chalow lay on an important ancient trade route—a corridor that remained significant well into the medieval period, connecting eastern Iran with the Gorgan Plain and the Iranian Plateau—it likely formed part of the early trade network that in later periods was termed as "Silk Roads."

It is likely, given the female's young age, that her exceptionally rich grave goods may have been influenced by an inherited status. Although it should be noted that GKC female burials are typically more richly furnished than males, possibly indicating women did not have a secondary role in GKC civilization.

Future studies will hopefully provide more information not just on Chalow Tepe but also the GKC. Dr. Vahdati elaborates on future planned scientific analyses, "In addition to comparative, typological, and chronological studies, we have planned a range of interdisciplinary analyses for Grave 12 and other burials at the Chalow site.

"These include isotopic and DNA analyses to help reconstruct dietary habits and determine the biological origins of the individuals. Technological studies are also underway on the cultural materials, including metal, ceramic, and stone artifacts, to better understand production techniques, raw material sources, and patterns of exchange.

"I should also emphasize that this research is truly collaborative: it would not be possible without the dedication and expertise of my team members from several countries, who bring valuable knowledge in fields such as anthropology, zooarchaeology, and archaeobotany. Their contributions continue to deepen our understanding of the site and its wider cultural context."