Archaeologists discover evidence of Urartian civilization lifestyle
In the eastern province of Van, Turkey, archaeologists are making significant strides in uncovering the secrets of the Urartian civilization. Under the leadership of Professor Rafet Çavuşoğlu, dean of the Faculty of Letters and head of the archaeology department at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, excavations in the necropolis near Çavuştepe Castle have been ongoing for nine years.
The site, built by King Sarduri II in the 8th century BCE, has yielded more than 50 inhumation burials and cremation graves, providing a glimpse into the diverse Urartian burial practices. These practices reflect a complex social structure with signs of religious tolerance and differentiated social roles.
Burial Practices
Multiple forms of inhumation have been documented, with most deceased individuals buried directly, often without cremation. These inhumation burials include members of the elite class, as indicated by associated ceramic artifacts. Some burials included horses and dogs alongside the deceased, suggesting the significance of these animals perhaps in status or ritual.
Certain groups, particularly children, young women, and middle-aged individuals, were cremated, and their ashes placed in urn-type graves. Joint family burials were also found, demonstrating family or kinship structures. Importantly, some women were buried with official seals, pointing to their potentially high status in Urartian society.
Social Structures
The presence of elite members in the necropolis, along with ceremonial artifacts, reveals a socially stratified society where certain individuals held power or prestige. The variety in burial rites and artifacts uncovered supports the idea of religious tolerance and cultural diversity within the Urartian population living in and around Çavuştepe.
Discoveries related to women with official seals suggest that women could hold significant social or official roles, challenging assumptions about gender roles in Iron Age societies. Each new burial brings surprises, with each tradition accompanied by unique ornaments and decorative items.
Researchers hope the findings will offer new insights into Urartian social and economic structures, as well as their funerary traditions. The coexistence of multiple burial customs suggests a society where cultural tolerance was practiced, and social roles were differentiated. Men and women were buried together, indicating a prominence of the nuclear family and a monogamous social structure.
In conclusion, the Urartian burial practices near Van reflect a society with complex social hierarchies, multiple religious or cultural traditions, and notable roles for both men and women in social and official life during the Iron Age. The ongoing excavations promise to continue shedding light on this fascinating civilization.
With the discoveries of diverse burial practices in the Urartian necropolis, the significance of science in uncovering the past is evident. The coexistence of multiple burial customs, accompanied by unique ornaments and artifacts, suggests a health-and-wellness approach that acknowledged the importance of mental health in their cultural beliefs and rituals. The finds at Çavuştepe Castle demonstrate a society with a focus on health-and-wellness, intertwined with their religion, social structure, and funerary traditions.
