ArmInfo. In the north of Armenia, a grave of an ancient warrior has been found. It could be an Amazon from Greek myths, TASS Science reports citing the scientific journal International Journal of Osteoarchaeology.
Analysis of the over 2600 years old bones found showed that they belonged to a woman warrior from the ancient state of Urartu, who most likely died in the battle. Researchers believe that such warriors inspired ancient Greek storytellers to create the image of the Amazons.
According to scientists, wounds led to her death. Specialists found traces of at least three serious injuries on the bones, presumably from the sword and ax. Archaeologists suggest that more than one person inflicted these injuries, and conclude that the woman most likely died in battle.
These are not the first remains of warriors from ancient Urartu that come across to archaeologists. Other historical sources also say that women in Urartu fought side by side with men. Therefore, scientists suggest that it was the residents of Urartu who inspired the ancient Greek storytellers to the image of the Amazons - a warlike people, which consisted of women only.
Archaeologists found the remains in the burial ground of Bover I in the Lori region in northern Armenia in 2017. According to ceramics and jewelry, scientists dated the burial of the VIII-VI centuries BC, when the ancient kingdom of Urartu flourished in the territory of present-day Armenia. It pursued an active conquest policy until the end of the VI century, when the state fell under the combined blow of the Scythians, Cimmerians and Medes.
A study of the skeleton showed that it belonged to a woman of about 20 years old. Jewelry spoke of the high status of the buried. A more detailed analysis allowed scientists to make another important conclusion: the woman most likely was also a warrior.
The structure and damage of the bones told the scientists that she had well-developed muscles - probably the ancient warrior was an archer and often rode astride. The iron arrowhead, stuck in the left knee, spoke of participation in the battles. However, this wound healed long before the death of the ancient warrior.