An Analytical Study on 12 Coins from Elymais Era Recovered at Tang-e Sulak Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, Southwestern Iran, through Particle Induced X-Ray Spectroscopy (PIXE)

Elymais is known as a semi-autonomous state which ruled during the Parthian period. They can be considered as a successor to the Elamite power throughout the history of Persia. Located in the southwest of Iran, Tang-e Sulak is one of the important regions where numerous Elymaisian artifacts have been discovered. In this research 12 copper coins recovered at Tang-e Sulak are examined. According to previous studies on these coins, there are evident signs of economic and political chaos from the Elymais Era. Moreover, the proportion of elements in these coins obtained from spectroscopy can argue there are at least two different mines involved. Meanwhile, this study discussed the technology by which copper was isolated from its ore over the Elymais Era. In that light, a good insight can be gained about the great importance of Particle Induced X-Ray Spectroscopy (PIXE) in archaeological studies and relevant analyses in the Elymais Era.