The Caspian Sea's southern coast, enriched by unique climatic conditions due to its proximity to the Alborz Mountains, has hosted human populations since prehistoric times. This area, distinguished by its lush landscapes, is significantly influenced by the fluctuations of the Caspian Sea, Earth's largest lake, which experiences notable level changes within its closed basin system. These oscillations expose or submerge adjacent lands, impacting human settlements over millennia. During the early Islamic period, around 700 AD, the sea level dramatically fell to -42 m, whereas by the Ilkhanid Period, around 1300 AD, it rose significantly to about -20m. This last rise, notable for its extent, coincides with a scarcity of archaeological evidence from the coastal regions before 1300 A.D. Historically, this lack of evidence was interpreted as abandonment due to unspecified reasons. However, integrating climatic and archaeological data has illuminated that many settlements were buried under sediments from the sea's fluctuations, particularly during the 1300 A.D. rise. This integration of data reveals a complex interaction between human societies and their environment, characterized by resilience and adaptability to the Caspian Sea's dynamic changes. The research underscores the necessity of considering environmental fluctuations in archaeological surveys, offering deeper insights into the historical interplay between humans and their landscapes. It not only bridges a significant gap in the archaeological record but also highlights the importance of ecological factors in the study of historical human settlements.
