What's Happening?
Archaeologists have unearthed a 3,800-year-old kurgan, or burial mound, belonging to a warrior at the Yovşanlıdere site in the Ceyranchol plains of western Azerbaijan. The kurgan, dating back to the Middle Bronze Age, measures approximately 92 feet in diameter and stands six-and-a-half feet tall. Inside, the burial chamber is divided into three sections: the first contains the warrior's remains and weapons, the second holds ceramic vessels, and the third is empty, symbolizing the soul's journey in the afterlife. The warrior, believed to be six-and-a-half feet tall, was buried with a rare four-pronged bronze spearhead, bronze ankle adornments, obsidian tools, paste beads, and 12 decorated ceramic jugs. The ceramic vessels contained cooked bones of animals such as goats, horses, cows, and boar, intended for sustenance in the afterlife. Massive limestone slabs, a bull-shaped stone, and a circular limestone seal were found on the surface of the kurgan.
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Why It's Important?
This discovery provides significant insights into the burial practices and cultural beliefs of ancient societies in the region. The presence of symbolic items and sustenance for the afterlife reflects the spiritual and ritualistic aspects of the Middle Bronze Age. The findings contribute to the understanding of the social hierarchy and the role of warriors in ancient Azerbaijan. The excavation, part of a joint initiative between the Cultural Heritage Protection, Development, and Restoration Service under the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan and the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology at the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, highlights the importance of preserving and studying cultural heritage.
What's Next?
Further analysis of the artifacts is ongoing, which may reveal more about the warrior's life and the society he belonged to. The excavation project, now in its fifth year, continues to explore the site for additional findings. The discovery may prompt more archaeological interest in the region, potentially leading to new insights into ancient civilizations.
