PRELIMINARY REPORT ON THE THIRD SEASON OF EXCAVATION OF THE IRANIAN-ITALIAN JOINT EXPEDITION IN KHUZESTAN AT KAL-E CHENDAR, SHAMI (8TH CAMPAIGN, 2015)

This report makes available the preliminary results of the excavation conducted in 2015 by the Iranian-Italian Joint Expedition in Khuzestan at Kal-e Chendar, in the valley of Shami (ancient Elymais). The expedition started regular excavation in 2013 and brought to light the remains of buildings of various type, size and technique, almost certainly made for religious purposes on monumental terraces. Family tombs of a wide cemetery were also recognized that must have been used by a wealthy plutocracy.