Palynological, archaeobotanical and anthracological studies in the Dariali Gorge, near Mount Kazbek, were carried out in order to reconstruct vegetation history and land use in the area. Our particular focus was the Dariali Fort, probably occupied from the late first millennium BC or the early first century AD up to c. AD 1000, as well as for a period between the late thirteenth and early fifteenth centuries. Whilst the main goal of the Persia project was to further our understanding of the Sasanian era (third to seventh centuries AD), the focus of this study is not restricted to this period. The time before and after are of crucial importance too, to provide us with an understanding of the local and regional vegetation over time, and to place the Sasanian era into the context.