Ancient Graves Reveal Surprising Practices at Cavuştepe Castle

In the rugged landscape of eastern Turkey, archaeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery that sheds new light on the ancient Urartian civilization. The ongoing excavations at Cavuştepe Castle, led by Professor Rafet Çavuşoğlu from Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, have unearthed two intriguing tombs that challenge our understanding of Urartian burial customs.

A Castle Steeped in History

Cavuştepe Castle, built during the reign of King Sarduri II in the 8th century BC, stands as a testament to Urartian architectural prowess. The palace complex, with its temple, king’s tower, workshops, and even a harem, offers a glimpse into the sophisticated society that once thrived here.

Unexpected Findings in the Necropolis

As the excavation team delved into the castle’s necropolis, they stumbled upon two graves that diverged from known Urartian burial practices. One tomb belonged to an adult, while the other contained the remains of a child. What set these graves apart was their unique structure and the puzzling state of their contents.

A New Type of Burial Platform

Professor Çavuşoğlu explained, “We’ve encountered a new type of tomb now. In this type, the ᴅᴇᴀᴅ bodies are buried near a platform.” This discovery adds to the already diverse array of burial methods known to be used by the Urartians, including cist graves, chamber tombs, and urn burials.

Mystery of the Missing Grave Goods

Intriguingly, the adult grave lacked the usual array of valuable items typically interred with the deceased. Even more perplexing was the disarray of the skeletal remains. “We found the head of the corpse next to the feet,” Professor Çavuşoğlu noted, suggesting that the tomb had been disturbed, possibly by ancient looters seeking jewelry and other treasures.

Continuing the Quest for Knowledge

As the excavations at Cavuştepe Castle progress, archaeologists are eager to uncover more clues about this enigmatic burial practice. Each new finding brings us closer to understanding the complex rituals and beliefs of the Urartian people, offering a fascinating window into a civilization that flourished over 2,700 years ago.

The discoveries at Cavuştepe Castle remind us that even well-studied ancient cultures can still surprise us, proving that there is always more to learn about our shared human history.