Archaeological excavations in Azerbaijan have provided probable confirmation of the existence of Amazons, the legendary female warriors from ancient Greek mythology.
Roman mosaic: Amazon warrior armed with a labrys, engaged in combat with a hippeus, is seized by her Phrygian cap; 4th century CE. From Daphne in southern Turkey, now in the Louvre, Paris. Credit: Jacques MOSSOT, Wiki Commons
Recent studies conducted in Nakhchivan have uncovered graves dating back approximately 4,000 years, containing female remains accompanied by weaponry such as sharp arrows, a bronze dagger, and a mace.
These findings, detailed in a report by SandStone Global Productions Ltd., offer probable confirmation of the historical presence of Amazons, who were renowned for their mastery of archery and their distinct social structure, which excluded men from their society. The discovery aligns with classical Greek accounts that depict Amazons as formidable warriors living on the fringes of the known world. Scenes from their battles were popular in Greek art and literature, with heroes like Hercules and Achilles encountering and engaging with Amazon queens in combat.
Historian Bettany Hughes, in an interview with the Observer, emphasized the significance of these findings, stating, “It shows that there’s truth behind the myths and legends of ancient Greece.” Hughes highlighted the deformities observed in the skeletons, indicating extensive use of bows and arrows by the women, suggesting sustained and intensive practice beyond mere hunting activities. Additionally, bone evidence revealed signs of prolonged horseback riding, shaping the lifestyle of these ancient women.
Achilles killing Penthesilea. Tondo of an Attic red-figure kylix, 470–460 BCE. From Vulci, Munich, Staatliche Antikensammlungen. Credit: Wiki Commons
The presence of carnelian ornaments in the graves further underscores the status and significance of these individuals, as carnelian was commonly ᴀssociated with high priestesses and goddesses. This archaeological discovery adds weight to previous findings, including graves of female warriors unearthed in Russia in 2019 and Armenia in 2017, as well as earlier discoveries near the Kazakhstan border in the early 1990s.
Adrienne Mayor, the author of “The Amazons: Lives And Legends Of Warrior Women Across The Ancient World,” emphasized, in an interview four years ago, the diversity of ages among the buried women, indicating a multi-generational involvement in warfare and highlighting the active participation of women in combat roles during ancient times.
The discoveries will be showcased in an upcoming Channel 4 series тιтled “Bettany Hughes’ Treasures of the World,” set to premiere on April 6. This series aims to explore various aspects of history and archaeology, including the interplay of cultures along the Silk Roads and in the Caucasus region.
