Archaeologists in Azerbaijan have Found Probable Evidence of the Existence of Amazons
Recent archaeological studies conducted in Azerbaijan have provided probable confirmation of the existence of Amazons - female warriors from ancient Greek mythology. Amazons were known for their skill in using bows and arrows and for their refusal to associate with men in their environment, as reported by The Guardian.
Archaeological excavations shedding light on the millennia-old legend were carried out in the city of Nakhchivan at a Bronze Age site. Graves of women buried with weapons were discovered there. Among these findings were sharp arrows, a bronze dagger, and a mace. Some skeletons showed signs that the women actively used bows and arrows. Based on these facts, scientists concluded that these women could have been Amazons who lived around 4000 years ago.
"This indicates that there is truth behind the myths and legends of Ancient Greece. Their fingers were warped due to frequent use of arrows. Changes in finger joints could have been caused not only by hunting but also by prolonged practice. It is very interesting that many bone remains also show clear evidence of long-term riding. The pelvis of these women was mainly exposed due to horseback riding. Their bones shaped their way of life," noted historian Bettany Hughes.
In addition to weapons, archaeologists also found an ornament made of carnelian in one of the graves - a semi-precious stone often worn by high priestesses and serving as a status symbol.
According to historians' conclusions, these findings gain even greater significance when compared with previously discovered artefacts. For instance, in 2017, Armenian archaeologists uncovered the remains of a woman who likely died from battle wounds - a arrowhead was found lodged in her leg. Also, in the early 1990s near the border with Kazakhstan, the remains of a woman buried with a dagger were found.
It's worth noting that The Gaze reported that archaeologists in Central Europe discovered a network of previously unknown Bronze Age megastructures that may shed light on so-called "megaforts." In the study by archaeologists from University College Dublin, satellite images were used to identify a series of previously unknown megastructures in Central Europe. Alongside colleagues from Serbia and Slovenia, scientists found over 100 sites that helped form megaforts and prehistoric structures.