The architecture of Achaemenid Qaleh Kali

Abstract

This study presents the results of three seasons of excavations at the site of Qaleh Kali, Fars province, in south western Iran, with a specific focus on the architectural elements found at the site. The study of Qaleh Kali has a long and fragmented history, but since its discovery by western archaeologists in the early 20th century, the site has been known to contain the remains of clearly identifiable Achaemenid architecture. The site was the subject of archaeological investigation in 1959. The results of those excavations were limited, and left many unanswered questions regarding the role of Qaleh Kali in the heartland of the Achaemenid sphere, roughly 140km north west of Persepolis. In 2003, members of the Mamasani Archaeological Project, a joint collaboration between the Iranian Centre for Archaeological Research (ICAR) and the University of Sydney, undertook a preliminary survey of the site. Many of the surface remains noted by previous scholars remained and a decision was made to reopen excavations, commencing in 2007. Excavation revealed extensive architectural remains that confirmed the presence of an important Achaemenid structure. In addition to the bell-shaped column bases of Persepolitan style, other in situ elements included a masonry portico with stairs, a crenellated parapet and massive mudbrick wall foundations. The current study presents an analysis of these architectural elements in detail, with the overall aim to place them contextually, stylistically and chronologically within the broader Achaemenid architectural canon. This has been achieved by undertaking a thorough review of comparanda from other sites incorporating Achaemenid architectural attributes, and at varying scales. Throughout the study, the analysis has been informed by an examination of how the different construction techniques and decorative features used at Qaleh Kali work at an imperial level. The stylistic decisions made at Qaleh Kali provide an important insight into regional architectural styles.