Nakhchivan Necropolises

The Nakhchivan necropolises are Bronze Age burial grounds on the northern outskirts of Nakhchivan city, Azerbaijan, accidentally discovered in 1968 during farm work. Dating to the 17th-15th centuries BC, the rectangular stone-slab tombs contain painted clay vessels, bronze ornaments (bracelets, rings, earrings), and mineral beads. Excavations have revealed evidence of warrior women with skeletal deformations from sustained archery and horse-riding, along with high-status grave goods including bronze daggers, mace heads, and carnelian necklaces.