Characterization of the Anubanini Rock Relief Sar-pol-e Zahab Kermanshah Province (Iran) - Journal of Research on Archaeometry
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year 11, Issue 2 (2025)                   JRA 2025, 11(2): 0-0 | Back to browse issues page


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Mehdiabadi M, Mehdiabadi N. (2025). Characterization of the Anubanini Rock Relief Sar-pol-e Zahab, Kermanshah Province (Iran). JRA. 11(2), : 5 doi:10.66224/jra.2025.11.205
URL: http://jra-tabriziau.ir/article-1-460-en.html
1- Research Institute of Cultural Heritage and Tourism, Tehran, Iran , m.mehdiabadi@richt.ir
2- Manager of Protection and Exploitation, Kermanshah Regional Water Company, Iran
Abstract:   (998 Views)

The Anubanini rock relief, one of the most important and ancient rock reliefs of Iran, holds exceptional significance for Iranian cultural heritage, archaeology, and linguistics. Carved on the limestone cliffs of Mount Mīyān Kal in Sarpol-e Zahab, Kermanshah Province, this monument depicts the Lulubi king Anubanini, the goddess Nini, nine bound prisoners, and an Akkadian cuneiform inscription. Due to the calcitic composition of the host rock belonging to the Asmari Formation, chemical dissolution has emerged as the primary degradation process, leading to the formation of dis-solution pits, grooves, and surface roughness that have already caused partial loss of motifs and inscriptions. If left unchecked, continued weathering threatens the complete destruction of this valuable historical document. This study examines the petrographic, mineralogical, and structural charac-teristics of the host rock along with the climatic conditions of the region. Through microscopic thin section analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and fracture mapping, the research identifies the key factors influencing the weathering process. The host rock is identified as bioclastic packstone (equivalent to biomicrite), predominantly composed of high-purity calcite with no significant dolomitization. The presence of near-vertical bedding, multiple joint sets, and a right-lateral fault, combined with semi-arid climatic conditions characterized by approximately 422 mm annual precipitation, 43% relative humidity, and severe temperature fluctuations, have significantly intensified chemical and biochemical weathering. The results indicate that the dissolution process remains active, with mineral composition, rock discontinuities, and climatic factors be-ing the main contributors to the observed degradation. This research emphasizes the urgent need for immediate protective and conservation measures to safeguard this irreplaceable cultural monument.

Article number: 5
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Technical Note: Original Research | Subject: Archaeometry
Received: 2025/04/8 | Accepted: 2025/10/19 | Published: 2025/12/30 | ePublished: 2025/12/30

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