Sasanian construction technology in the Maiden Tower Complex as evidence of Late Antiquity building activities in Baku (Azerbaijan)

Abstract

The paper investigates construction techniques and building materials of the Maiden Tower complex in Baku in order to identify evidence for building activities dating to Late Antiquity. Based on construction-archaeological analysis, including masonry typology, bonding patterns, mortar characteristics, and structural details, the study evaluates the technological features of the earliest building phases of the monument. Particular attention is paid to construction methods that can be associated with Sasanian building traditions, such as specific stone-working techniques and structural solutions. The results suggest that elements of the Maiden Tower complex reflect construction practices characteristic of the Sasanian period, supporting the hypothesis of significant building activity in Baku during Late Antiquity. The contribution thus adds new construction-historical evidence to the ongoing debate on the chronology, function, and cultural context of the Maiden Tower and highlights the relevance of construction technology as a source for historical interpretation.