An Achaemenid "Paradise" in the Caucasus: Settlement and Landscape Studies near Karacamirli, Azerbaijan

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The subject of the proposal is the investigation of an Achaemenid residence at Karacamirli, Azerbaijan through archaeological and geophysical methods. Up to now, it is the only archaeologically documented residence of the Achaemenid Empire outside of Iran. It was surrounded by administrative and service buildings, and possibly by extensive gardens ("paradeisos"). Previous research has shown that the core structure is closely modeled on buildings from the empire’s core, in Persepolis. The extensive remains at the site of Karayamirli cannot be studied efficiently with conventional archaeological field methods. For this reason, geophysical methods (magnetometer, and possibly resistivity measurements and radar-prospection) will be used to detect large-scale structures and to guide excavations. An accompanying surface survey will shed light on the occupational history and the functional organization of the site. Special attention will be paid to the relationship between the residence, its associated structures and a nearby indigenous settlement, in order to understand the operational procedures and interior organization of imperial power and its influence on the local society.