The urn burial tradition in the Kingdom of Urartu: A socio-cultural approach

Archaeological excavations and research conducted in centers dating back to the Urartian Kingdom period have provided extensive information on Urartian burial types and burial traditions. These findings indicate that the Urartians buried their dead either through inhumation or cremation (burning). Cremation involves the burning of the individual to a certain degree. During the Urartian Kingdom period, cremation practices were carried out within vessels called urns. This tradition is observed in different types of graves, including simple earthen graves, stone cists, rock crevices, and chamber tombs (hollows opened into niches or floors). Urns during the Urartian Kingdom period were typically made of pottery, although they comprised various vessel forms. It has been documented that the mouths of the urns were generally sealed with a bowl or stone. Holes ranging from 1 to 5 in number were observed on the pottery. Burials in urns included individuals of both genders and various ages. Some of the centers where the tradition of urn burials has been identified in the Urartian Kingdom include Arin Berd, Armavir Blur, Karmir Blur, Çavuştepe, Ayanis, Van Castle, Kayalıdere, Dilkaya, Van-Altıntepe, Erzincan-Altıntepe, Liç, Palu, Kefir Kale, Melekli, Bastam, Şirinkale, Sangar, Kalecik, Karnıyarık, Hasanova, Dedeli, and Atabindi. Artifacts found inside or around urn burials include jewelry (earrings, rings, bracelets, armlets, pins, belts, tweezers, beads, etc.), weapons (swords, knives, dagger blades, spear and arrowheads), as well as metal and earthenware vessels. These findings provide insight into the social and cultural status, level of prosperity, technological advancements, interactions with neighboring cultures, and social status of the deceased individual and, consequently, the Urartians. The bone and ash remnants found inside the urns provide information about the age, gender, and socio-economic status of the deceased. Additionally, bone remnants identified in some urn burials within vessels shed light on funeral feasts, sacrifices, and libation ceremonies, revealing aspects of Urartian religious beliefs Key Words : Urartian, Graves, Cremation, Urns, Cultural