An international team of archaeologists, comprising Polish and Armenian scientists, has unearthed a remarkable find: a “golden tomb” containing two skeletons in Metsamor, Armenia. Let’s delve into the fascinating details of this discovery.
Golden Tomb Unveiled
Location: Metsamor, Armenia
The golden tomb lies within the ancient site of Metsamor, nestled in the Armenian Highlands. This historical treasure trove spans from the 6th to 1st centuries BC and encompasses a Bronze Age and Iron Age settlement, a citadel, city districts, a sky observation deck, and a cemetery. Covering over 200 hectares, Metsamor rests in the Ararat Plain, approximately 35 km west of Yerevan, in the Taronik administrative district.
Famous gold jewelry in Ancient Armenia
Metsamor gained fame as the location where the oldest known gold jewelry in Armenia was discovered. Now, let’s explore the intriguing features of this golden tomb:
1. The First Grave:
- The skeletons were found in chambers meticulously dug into the ground and lined with substantial stones.
- Researchers also uncovered the remains of a wooden burial bed.
2. Mysterious Deaths:
- The cause of death remains an enigma.
- The absence of any signs of tomb reopening suggests that both individuals perished simultaneously.
3. Well-Preserved Bones:
- The skeletons, astonishingly well-preserved, exhibit slightly bent legs.
- Preliminary estimates place their age between 30 and 40 years.
4. A Unique Find:
- Professor Krzysztof Jakubiak, leading the research project at the Faculty of Archaeology, University of Warsaw, emphasizes the unparalleled nature of this discovery.
- The lavishly adorned grave remained untouched by tomb raiders.
5. Golden Treasures:
- Inside the tomb, archaeologists unearthed over a hundred beads and gold pendants.
- Some of these pendants resemble Celtic crosses.
- Carnelian pendants are also abundant.
6. Three Necklaces:
- These elements likely formed three necklaces, emphasizing the couple’s status and adornment.
Additional Finds:
- Whole ceramic vessels and a distinctive faience flask were also part of the tomb’s contents.
- Interestingly, the flask was not locally made; it originated from the Syrian-Mesopotamian border.
Unwritten History:
- The inhabitants of Metsamor during the second half of the 2nd millennium BC were not literate.
- The absence of written records complicates our understanding of their identity.
Significance of Metsamor:
- A massive fortified settlement, encircled by imposing stone blocks, Metsamor held immense importance.
- During its peak, no other settlement in the region rivaled Metsamor in size or significance.
As we continue to unravel the mysteries concealed within Metsamor’s ancient soil, this golden tomb provides a tantalizing glimpse into the lives, customs, and beliefs of our distant Armenian ancestors.
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