Excavations at Tol-e Nurabad

Tol-e Nurabad is a large, flat-topped mound on the outskirts of the town of Nurabad, covering around 9 ha and standing 23 m above the height of the surrounding plain (Figures 3.1. and 3.2). Approximately 200 m to the north-northwest of the main mound, and separated from it by the perennial Korr-e Sangan stream, is a second large, low mound (4 m high) of approximately 3-4 ha (Figure 3.3). Both mounds sit in the middle of the fertile Dasht-e Nurabad, at an elevation of approximately 965 m above sea level. Before the excavations were commenced, the entire mounded area of the site and a great deal of the surrounding area was surveyed three-dimensionally, using a Sokkia Set 5A Total Station and SDR 31 data logger. This survey included the establishment of a site datum, and the creation of a site grid aligned to magnetic north. In total, 1569 data points were recorded, with their easting and northing coordinates and absolute elevation being measured relative to the site datum, which was situated on the highest point of the main mound at E51° 31.273' N30° 07.344' at a height of 988 metres above sea level, as determined with a handheld Garmin GPS 12 Personal Navigator®. This three-dimensional data was used to produce the contour plans and digital elevation models illustrated in Figures 3.2, 3.3 and 3.6.