A towering Bronze Age warrior unearthed
In the vast western plains of Azerbaijan, a fascinating discovery was made by archaeologists on a large burial mound. Here, the remains of a towering warrior were found, still clutching the head of his distinctive four-pointed spear. Standing over two meters tall, the man’s skeleton dates back to the Middle Bronze Age, approximately 3,800 years ago. The unique burial method suggests that he may have been a significant military leader in ancient times. This remarkable find offers valuable insights into the religious and social practices of Bronze Age societies, shedding light on their intriguing rituals and beliefs.
Details of the Discovery
Located near the western border of Azerbaijan, the burial mound known as Yovsanlidere held a remarkable array of artifacts. Fourteen one-ton limestone slabs were carefully arranged just below the surface, accompanied by a bull-shaped stone idol and a circular limestone seal. These kurgans, ceremonial structures often built by nomadic cultures, provide a window into the spiritual and ceremonial practices of ancient societies regarding the afterlife.
Among the treasures unearthed at the site was an exceptionally rare bronze spear with four points, a remarkable find not only in Azerbaijan but across the southern Caucasus region. Alongside the spear, archaeologists discovered a variety of valuable items such as bronze anklets, obsidian tools, intricate pasta beads, and ceramic vessels adorned with inlays. Inside the vessels, they found cooked animal bones, thought to be offerings for the warrior’s journey into the afterlife.
In recent years, a dedicated team of over 2,000 academics, along with local and international volunteers, have been diligently researching the Keshik Chida reserve. This site has proven to be a treasure trove of archaeological discoveries, and ongoing plans include conducting laboratory analyses such as carbon dating and isotope testing on the artifacts uncovered at this burial mound. The researchers involved in the project are eager to delve deeper into the mysteries surrounding this ancient warrior and the rich cultural tapestry of the region.
