Unearthing Secrets of the Bronze Age
In the heart of Armenia, a land steeped in ancient history, archaeologists have made a startling discovery that has sent ripples through the academic world. At the Lchashen site, beneath the watchful gaze of a towering basalt monument known as a “dragon stone,” researchers have unearthed the remains of two infants. This find has not only challenged our understanding of prehistoric burial practices but has also cast new light on the enigmatic structures that have long puzzled historians.
The Dragon Stones: Sentinels of the Past
Standing between 1.5 to 5.5 meters tall, these basalt stelae, or Vishapakar in Armenian, have been silent witnesses to the passage of time. With over 150 documented across Armenia and neighboring regions, these monoliths adorned with intricate animal carvings have guarded their secrets for millennia.
A Tale of Two Infants
The Lchashen discovery marks a significant milestone – the first time a burial has been directly associated with a dragon stone. Beneath a 3.5-meter tall stele, featuring the haunting image of a sacrificed ox, lay a grave dating back to the 16th century BC. Within, researchers found two well-preserved infant skeletons, affectionately named Dragon1 and Dragon2.
Bonds of Blood and Time
Ancient DNA analysis revealed an intriguing connection between the infants. These 0-2 month old babies were second-degree relatives, sharing identical mitochondrial sequences. This genetic link provides a rare glimpse into the familial structures of Bronze Age Caucasus, adding a deeply personal dimension to the archaeological record.
Rewriting History, One Stone at a Time
The burial of two newborns in conjunction with a monumental stela is unprecedented, challenging previous understandings of both dragon stones and Bronze Age burial practices in Armenia. As one researcher noted, “This discovery opens up new avenues for research into the funerary practices and beliefs of ancient Armenian society.”
As archaeologists continue to unravel the mysteries of Lchashen and its dragon stones, this discovery stands as a testament to the rich and complex tapestry of ancient Armenian culture. With each unearthed secret, we inch closer to understanding the lives, beliefs, and rituals of those who walked these lands thousands of years ago.
The story of Dragon1 and Dragon2, nestled beneath their stone guardian, invites us to look deeper into the past and question what we thought we knew about Bronze Age society. As research progresses, who knows what other secrets these ancient sentinels might reveal?
