Pulvar River changes in the Pasargadae plain (Fars, Iran) during the Holocene and the consequences for water management in the first millennium BCE

Located in the middle basin of Pulvar river (Fars, Iran), Pasargadae was founded around 550 BCE early days Achaemenid Empire. Its territory is dotted with remains imposing hydraulic facilities (dams, dikes, canals), some which date to that very period. The purposes and functions these structures, built exploit surface water, located today's landscape (a deeply incised valley temporary watercourses), raise questions problems for geomorphological studies provide major elements consideration. Erosion Pleistocene glacis by its tributaries caused several phases alluvial deposition during Holocene. They can be seen today region examining three well-developed step-like terraces. These sedimentary units are primary archives reconstruction dynamics, thus allow a better estimation water availability. Since 2016, within framework joint Iranian-French archaeological mission, geo-archaeological campaigns have been carried out. Sediment analyses, C-14 dating OSL sediments collected formations, as well contexts, made accurately reconstruct variations over time regime, past regional waterscape. From beginning Holocene onset 1st millennium BCE, catchment area marked an aggradation phase, led being filled deposits. This unit provided vast areas arable land where cultivation could enhanced irrigation. creation inlets at facilitated riverbeds less than present-day ones. Ancient systems reflect conditions, since they were manage higher levels, stronger flows, when compared irrigation developed modern times.