A Proto-Maeotian Horseman Burial From Adygea

Results of a Comprehensive Study

Bibliographic Data

ID3030169
AuthorsAnna S Leotyeva (corresponding author), Erlikh R Vladimir, Kirill Y Eremenko, Maria V Dobrovolskaya, Alexandra N Abramova (0000-0002-6390-0845), Aleksandra N Abramova, Daria V Kiseleva (0000-0002-8682-1541), F S Sharko (0000-0002-1189-5597), Darya S Petrova, Darya P Petrova (0000-0002-5594-504X), Eugenia S Boulygina, Eugenia Boulygina (0000-0003-3795-0571), Artem V Nedoluzhko, Artem Nedoluzhko (0000-0001-7040-0892), Natalia N Spasskaya (0000-0002-3491-923X)
Year2025
Volume21
Issue1
Pages124-140
Publication date2025-04-14
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHistory Archeology and Ethnography of the Caucasus (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2618-6772 • E-ISSN: 2618-849X
PublisherInstitute of History, Archeology and Ethnography (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.32653/ch211124-140
OpenAlexW4409460334
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited7

This paper reports on a proto-Maeotian burial complex of a horseman warrior discovered in 2023 in the foothills of Adygea (N 44.22787800, E 40.12983900). The burial assemblage included weaponry, notably an axe-scepter, a Colchian fibula, an equine skeleton, and a set of bronze horse bridles contemporary with the Novocherkassk treasure. Based on these findings, the authors date the burial to the late 8th century BC. Comprehensive analyses, including natural science methods, were conducted on the burial. Anthropological examination determined the interred individual to be a male over 55 years of age who had sustained a cranial injury during his lifetime, potentially in military engagements. The authors propose that this elderly proto-Maeot horseman warrior may have participated in the "Cimmerian campaigns" in the Transcaucasia and Western Asia. Strontium isotope analysis of human and equine tooth enamel samples did not corroborate their habitation in the immediate vicinity of the burial site, nor did it indicate an origin in Western Transcaucasia. The unusual proportions of the horse skeletal remains prompted an investigation into a potential hybrid origin for the animal. However, detailed morphometric and molecular genetic analyses did not confirm the presence of a mule or hinny. Establishing definitive evidence for a specific local horse breed in the Early Iron Age of the North Caucasus necessitates dedicated genomic research

Archaeology · Art · Ancient Mediterranean Archaeology and History · Archaeology and ancient environmental studies · History · Paleopathology and ancient diseases

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access