A recent archaeological dig at an ancient castle in Turkey has yielded a fascinating glimpse into the past. Archaeologists unearthed a collection of bronze armor dating back 2,700 years to the Kingdom of Urartu, a powerful civilization known for its metalwork and military might. The discovery, which includes three bronze shields and a bronze helmet, was made within a temple complex at Ayanis Castle, a fortress near Lake Van in eastern Turkey.
This fortress, built by the Urartu Kingdom (also known as the Kingdom of Van) during its reign from the ninth to the sixth centuries B.C., is proving to be a treasure trove of ancient artifacts. The temple complex, dedicated to Haldi, the chief god of Urartu, was the site of the bronze armor find. The discovery suggests the armor was likely an offering to the deity.
The discovery of these shields and helmets, while significant, is not entirely unexpected for Ayanis Castle. Similar pieces have been unearthed at the site in previous excavations, including a particularly elaborate helmet with a lion’s head found in 1997.
According to Paul Zimansky, a history professor at Stony Brook University who conducted archaeological work at Ayanis between 1997 and 2009, “This castle is proving to be the richest Urartian site in Turkey for many reasons, not the least of which is the quantity of bronzes associated with the temple.”
Atilla Batmaz, an archaeology professor at Ege University in Turkey, also commented on the findings, noting that “a dozen or more such shields and helmets” have been found at the site previously.
While these recent finds are certainly noteworthy, Zimansky highlighted a 2023 discovery that garnered less attention in the popular media: a bronze cart or miniature chariot, likely used to transport a cultic statue. He described this discovery as “really a blockbuster find.”
The ongoing excavation at Ayanis Castle is led by Mehmet Isikli, an archaeology professor at Ataturk University. This remarkable site continues to offer a rich tapestry of insights into the lives, beliefs, and military strategies of the ancient Urartu Kingdom, providing a valuable window into a fascinating and powerful civilization.
