Child skeleton with dragon’s head bracelet unearthed in Van during archaeological excavation

Ongoing excavations at a necropolis discovered three years ago near the Castle of Cavustepe in the Gurpinar district of Turkey’s eastern Van province are providing fascinating insights into Urartian burial practices and societal dynamics. Led by Rafet Cavusoglu, a team of 17 experts including anthropologists, archaeologists, sociologists, art historians, and restorers from Van Yuzuncu Yil University (YYU) is diligently uncovering the mysteries of this ancient site.

The necropolis was the final resting place for the elite members of Urartu society who resided within the citadel constructed by King Sardur II of Urartu (r. 764–735 BC). Recent archaeological excavations have brought to light a multitude of burial sites adorned with an array of jewelry, such as silver necklaces, numerous earrings, amulets, a remarkable solid gold lion brooch, and a belt intricately embellished with mythological figures.

One of the most remarkable discoveries made in the previous year was the burial of a young child, merely three years old at the time of their passing. Believed to have belonged to an Urartian aristocratic family, the child’s grave contained exquisitely crafted dragon-headed copper bracelets, a unique find within the region. Encircling the child’s neck were beads from a necklace, which were originally strung together on a now-decomposed cord or leather thread. Positioned at the child’s head was a small ceramic bowl still containing remnants of food offerings.

Cavusoglu emphasized the constant stream of new findings emerging from the concentrated excavation efforts within the necropolis area. He expressed, “The necropolis site remains an enigma. We persistently work to unravel this mystery, unearthing new discoveries as we proceed. This burial is unprecedented in our findings. This marks the first instance of encountering bronze bracelets adorning the arms of a child.”

Van, once known as Tushpa, served as the capital of the Urartian kingdom, reigning over what is now eastern Anatolia from the 9th century BC until the early 6th century. The ongoing excavations continue to unveil the hidden stories of this ancient civilization, shedding light on their rituals, societal structure, and artistic achievements.

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