Journal of Art and Civilization of the Orient

An Analysis of the Architecture of the Neolithic and Chalcolithic Periods in Kermanshah (A Case Study of Ganj Dareh and Godin Tepe)

https://doi.org/10.22034/jaco.2026.524244.1477
Volume 14, Issue 51
Spring 2026
Pages 42-63
Journal of Art and Civilization of the Orient

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Seyedeh Saeideh Mahdavian
Elham Andaroodi
Pegah Samei Yazdi
Mohammad Hassan Talebian

Department of Architectural Heritage Studies and Conservation, School of Architecture, College of Fine Arts, University of Tehran

Abstract
The Kermanshah region in the Central Zagros, with prominent archaeological sites like Ganj Dareh and Godin Tepe, is considered one of the main centers for the formation of culture and architecture in the prehistoric period of Iran. Despite numerous excavations, the focus of most previous research has been primarily on ceramics and tools, while the physical and spatial analyses of the architecture have received less attention. This shortcoming has prevented a proper understanding of the connection between construction patterns and the social and ritualistic structures of the early communities in this region. This research focuses on Ganj Dareh (Layer D, Late Neolithic PPNB) and Godin Tepe (Period VI, Early Chalcolithic) to identify and compare the architectural patterns, spatial organization, and ritualistic elements in these two sites. The main research questions are: 1) What role did the architectural innovations of Ganj Dareh play in the formation of the physical structures of contemporaneous sites such as Tepe Zagheh, Sang-e Chakhmaq, and Sheikhi Abad? 2) What are the similarities and differences between the architectural pattern of Godin Tepe and other prominent sites of the Chalcolithic period, including Susa III and Tall-e Malyan? The current research is based on pure architectural analysis and spatial organization analysis. The data includes excavation reports, plans, maps, and published visual documents from the studied sites. The research process was conducted in three steps: 1) Collection and documentation of architectural data. 2) Structural, spatial, and physical element analysis. 3) Comparative analysis at the regional scale. In this interpretive approach, each architectural element is examined not as an isolated object, but as a reflection of the spatial and cultural order of the prehistoric society. The findings indicate that Ganj Dareh, with its dense structure, square plans, and contiguous organization, reflects the initial experiences of sedentary settlement and the close intertwining of life and ritual. In contrast, Godin Tepe, with its rectangular spaces, symmetrical doorways, and central depressions, is indicative of a more advanced stage of architectural organization during the Chalcolithic period. These similarities and differences suggest the existence of networks for cultural exchange and the transfer of architectural patterns across the Iranian Plateau, and they solidify Kermanshah’s position as one of the centers of architectural innovation in the Central Zagros during prehistory.

Keywords

Neolithic Period
Chalcolithic Period
Ganj Dareh Tepe
Godin Tepe
Prehistoric Architecture
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