ABSTRACT
The applicability of concepts like that of a Proto-Elamite phenomenon, state, culture, civilization, let alone that of PE "people" has been the subject of considerable debate and major revisions. The eastern frontier of Elam—Bronze Age eastern Fars, from the eastern Zagros and the Marv Dasht plains to the Halil Rud basin, with the valleys of Fasa, Darab and Forg—is still largely unexplored, while the local discontinuity of urban life poses difficult questions. Linear Elamite is conventionally ascribed to the reign and court of Puzur-Inshushinak, even if this writing system was probably used before and after his career, and there is no certainty of its actual invention at Susa. As a consequence, the landmark discoveries of the great Bronze Age palatial centres of Margiana took place under decreased scientific standards, and quite questionable interpretations were made. Reconstructing the "Great Domino games" will take a lot of time, much discussion and, even a bit of good luck.
