Archaeologists have uncovered a rare collection of weapons from a Middle Bronze Age burial mound in western Azerbaijan, offering new clues about warfare, warrior status and craftsmanship nearly 4,000 years ago.
The finds came from Kurgan No. 4 in the Sariyokhush area of the Keshikchidagh State Historical and Cultural Reserve in Agstafa district. Researchers date the burial to the 17th to 16th centuries B.C.
The discovery adds to a growing archaeological picture of Bronze Age life in the Caucasus. Archaeologist Vagif Asadov of the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences is leading the excavation.
Weapons point to high-status burial
The stone-covered kurgan measures about 12 meters (39 feet) across and rises about 80 centimeters (31 inches) above the surrounding ground. Its burial chamber lies about 1 to 1.2 meters (3.3 to 3.9 feet) underground. Archaeologists found a bronze dagger, a rare stone mace head, and several arrowheads inside.
Researchers believe the objects point to a person of high social and military standing. Similar evidence of elite Bronze Age burial customs has emerged elsewhere in the South Caucasus, including a tomb in Armenia containing bronze weapons and obsidian arrowheads.
The mace head is made from diorite, a hard stone, and weighs between 400 and 500 grams (14 to 18 ounces). A hole drilled through its center likely held a wooden or bone handle. Its smooth surface and symmetrical shape also show the skill of Bronze Age stoneworkers in the South Caucasus.
Arrowheads offer clues to regional connections
The burial also contained rare winged arrowheads associated with Middle Bronze Age weapons. Two were made from black obsidian, a volcanic glass valued for its sharp edges. Researchers believe the material came from regional sources, potentially offering evidence of connections between communities and the movement of raw materials.
Obsidian has helped archaeologists trace ancient exchange networks elsewhere. Recent research found that obsidian traveled between the Greek island of Melos and inland Anatolia more than 4,000 years ago. Archaeologists also recovered nine finely worked flint arrowheads with a dark, oak-red color.
Researchers plan further testing
The excavation is part of the Scientific Archaeological Excavations and Summer School 6 in Keshikchidagh project. Specialists work alongside students, master’s students and young volunteers during fieldwork at the reserve.
Reserve staff have begun conservation and laboratory work on the finds, including ceramic objects. After documentation and preservation, the artifacts will enter the reserve’s collection. Researchers also plan radiocarbon testing to establish a more precise date for the burial.
The discovery adds to the archaeological record of Bronze Age Azerbaijan and the wider South Caucasus. The weapons and other grave goods could help researchers better understand social rank, warfare, craftsmanship and regional connections during a major period of change.
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