Iranian Journal Of Antheropology

Iranian Journal Of Antheropology

A Study on the Cultural Hegemony of Hellenism in Iranian, Based on Archaeological Findings (Case Study: Hellenistic Finds in Nahavand)

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Mohsaen Janjan 1
Behrouz Afkhami 2
Karim Hajizadeh Bastani 2
1 Ph.D. student in Archaeology, Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.
2 Professor, Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
10.22034/jasi.2026.2088216.1625
Abstract
This research, based on interdisciplinary approaches of anthropology and sociology in archaeological analysis, investigates the process of cultural hegemony formation and the mechanisms of producing order and legitimacy through coercive power and consent during the Seleucids period. The Seleucids period coincided with political and cultural confrontation between Greeks and Iranian societies, as well as deep social, intellectual, and religious transformations in Iran, which can be observed and interpreted through material data such as architecture, statues of Gods, coins, pottery, and burial practices. During this period, the spread of Hellenic culture led to the decline of many elements of the Achaemenid culture, and a new model called “Hellenic culture” emerged with distinct social and cultural traditions. The replacement of Achaemenid architectural styles with Greek elements and decorations, the spread of temples and statues related to Greek Gods, and the emergence of new types of pottery and changes in burial rituals are among the most significant manifestations of this cultural transformation. The reflection of this cultural hegemony is particularly visible in western Iran. In this context, the city of Nahavand, due to its diverse Hellenistic archaeological data—including Greek inscriptions, architectural elements, and burial structures (tumuli)—holds a prominent position in the study of this phenomenon. Therefore, this research focuses on this region to analyze the dimensions of Hellenic hegemony. The research methodology is based on combined field and library studies, and the data have been analyzed using a historical-analytical approach. The fieldwork focuses on excavation findings in the Dokhaharan district and the Naqqārechi Tumulus in Nahavand. The results show that the presence of Hellenic cultural traditions reflects the social and political transformations in western Iran during the post-Achaemenid period. These findings indicate the establishment and consolidation of Greek political and cultural power mechanisms from the time of Alexander and his successors in Iranian society. This phenomenon can be explained within the framework of "Hellenic hegemony." The effects of this hegemony continued at least until the Parthian period and laid the groundwork for cultural developments before the emergence of the Sasanian society.
Keywords
Hegemony
Hellenic Culture
Seleucids
Nahavand
Architecture
Subjects
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Iranian Journal Of Antheropology

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 14 May 2026