Bisotun and Taq-e Bostan

The scholarly attention given to the Taq-e Bostan rock-cut reliefs has resulted in the neglect of other evidence from the surrounding area. During a visit by the authors to the environs of Taq-e Bostan, we were able to record a number of stone blocks, including their size and the traces of cutting and finishing on their surfaces. In both respects, the blocks from Taq-e Bostan resemble those from Bisotun, a site of historical date, around 30km to the east, where the authors have extensive field experience. Covering an area 600m in diameter, the Taq-e Bostan site lies nearly 500m east of the rock-cut reliefs. Several hewn stone blocks are visible, closely resembling those observed on the slopes of Mount Bisotun in both their dimensions and the cutting technique used. There are also other examples that bear cutting and trimming marks, such as triangular grooves, that closely resemble those attested on blocks at Bisotun and Kangavar, and at the Chaghay quarry in Nahavand (Rahbar & Alibaigi 2012); this clearly indicates that a similar tool was used to remove blocks at Taq-e Bostan. The quarries at Bisotun and Kangavar also yielded the remains of half-finished column bases and drums, although no similar blocks were observed during our visit to Taq-e Bostan

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