Daregaz county, located in the northeastern part of Khorasan Razavi province and adjacent to Turkmenistan, holds significant historical importance, especially during the early decades of the Parthian Empire, due to its proximity to Turkmenistan and Nisa, one of the first areas of Parthian expansion and influence. In 2016, two excavation seasons were conducted at this site, yielding artifacts such as pottery and decorated bricks. Analysis and comparison of pottery data from Shahre Tapeh with those from Nisa indicate significant similarities, emphasizing the importance and necessity of sourcing Shahre Tapeh's pottery. In this research, the petrographic study of 18 samples, including plain, glazed, deformed pottery, and decorated bricks, was conducted to determine their origins. The results showed that most of the pottery from Shahre Tapeh was locally made, while some glazed pottery likely originated from other locations, indicating cultural and trade connections with contemporary sites. These findings underscore the significance of Shahre Tapeh as one of the first major cities of the early Parthian period in the Khorasan region.
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