An extraordinary discovery has been made at the Ayanis Fortress in Turkey, a significant Urartian stronghold built by King Rusa II overlooking Lake Van. Archaeologists have unearthed a 2,700-year-old human skeleton, marking the first such find at this ancient site. The remains belong to an 18-year-old male, distinguished by the presence of seals and jewelry, indicating a high social standing during his lifetime.
What makes this discovery particularly remarkable are the fragments of carbonized brain tissue found within the skull. This rare preservation offers a unique window into the past, with ongoing DNA analyses by Professor Dr. Yılmaz Selim Erdal from Hacettepe University's Anthropology Department potentially revealing genetic insights into the Urartian elite. Such preservation of brain tissue, especially in the absence of other soft tissues, is an uncommon phenomenon in archaeology, though recent research suggests it may be more frequent than previously believed due to specific environmental conditions or the brain's unique biochemistry. Studies have documented over 4,400 preserved human brains from the last 12,000 years, with over 1,300 being the sole soft tissue remaining among skeletal remains. These findings suggest that under certain circumstances, nervous tissue can persist for millennia, possibly through mechanisms like molecular crosslinking or metal complexation.
The Ayanis Fortress itself is a testament to the Urartian Kingdom's architectural prowess, constructed between 677-673 BC. It was a crucial military and administrative center, with excavations revealing a temple dedicated to the chief Urartian god, Haldi, and evidence of sophisticated metal craftsmanship, including bronze shields and helmets found within the temple complex. The fortress, however, had a relatively short lifespan, reportedly destroyed by an earthquake approximately 20-25 years after its construction.
Current excavation efforts at Ayanis Fortress are focused on making 75% of the temple area accessible to visitors this year. Supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Governorship of Van, the project also aims to preserve the fortress's mud-brick structures to enhance its appeal to tourists. This initiative will allow a broader audience to explore the temple complex and deepen their understanding of the sophisticated Urartian civilization, offering a tangible connection to a past that continues to reveal its secrets.