Human–Environment Interaction in Elymais

This research, conducted as part of the project Eranshahr, focuses on human-environment interaction in ancient Elymais from the Seleucid to the late Parthian period. By integrating material evidence and spatial data, a unit of the University of Torino has investigated the anthropisation processes, natural resource exploitation, connectivity and resilience dynamics that shaped the ancient landscape of the region. Our study aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of human interventions, based on the analysis of settlement patterns, and to facilitate further comparison with textual evidence to better understand territorial policies if possible. Focusing on the dualistic geomorphology of Elymais, we collected and merged archaeological and terrestrial data to create a shared GIS environment and produce multi- scale thematic maps. Spatial analysis focused on the plains of Susa and Shushtar, as well as the highland region of Izeh/Mal-e Mir and the terraced sanctuaries there located, which are seen as visual markers of power. Our research offers a nuanced perspective on the interplay between human agency and environmental factors in ancient Elymais, emphasizing the region’s settlement dynamics.