Archaeologists in Azerbaijan have uncovered a remarkable Bronze Age burial dating back around 3,800 years. Found in the Ceyranchol plains near the country's western border, the tomb contained the remains of an unusually tall man—approximately 2 meters (6 feet 7 inches) in height—believed to have been a warrior or high-ranking figure.
The burial site, a large kurgan mound located within the Keshikchidagh Historical and Cultural Reserve, was constructed with considerable effort and complexity, measuring roughly 28 meters in diameter and over 2 meters high.
Inside, the burial chamber was divided into three sections: one for the body and weapons, another for pottery vessels, and a third left empty, possibly for ritual or symbolic reasons. The deceased was buried in a semi-flexed position, still holding a rare four-pronged bronze spearhead.
Archaeologists estimate the man buried in the ancient tomb was more than 6 feet, 7 inches tall when he was alive. (Image credit: Azerbaijan Ministry of Culture)
Accompanying grave goods included bronze ankle ornaments, decorative beads made from glass or paste, obsidian tools, and a dozen finely decorated ceramic jugs. Some of these vessels contained the bones of cooked animals—such as goat, cow, boar, and horse—likely offerings intended for use in the afterlife.
The structure and richness of the tomb suggest the man held a position of significant military or social status. A distinctive circular limestone seal was also discovered, hinting at early administrative practices or notions of property.
Fourteen massive limestone slabs, each weighing about a ton, had been placed over the tomb, and a bull-shaped idol was positioned at its head, possibly serving a protective or symbolic function.
(Image credit: Azerbaijan Ministry of Culture)
This burial is part of a larger, multi-year archaeological project involving extensive excavation, documentation, and upcoming scientific analyses, including radiocarbon dating and materials testing. The discovery offers new insights into the martial culture, ritual practices, and social hierarchy of Bronze Age societies in the South Caucasus.
