Archaeologists found a unique artifact 2800 years old in Hattusa

NEW YORK, BRONX (ORDO News) — During excavations in the ancient capital of the Hittite kingdom, in Hattusa (in modern Turkey), archaeologists discovered a 2,800-year-old carved ivory artifact.

This ancient object, measuring approximately 30 centimeters long and 10 centimeters wide, contains images of several figures and symbols, including the sphinx, the tree of life and a lion. According to researchers, for many centuries the lion was considered a symbol of power.

Ancient civilizations saw the lion as a symbol of power and royalty, and its images appear in prehistoric cave paintings, ancient Sumerian and Egyptian artifacts dating back to 3000 BC, and on the lion gate at Hattusa.

It is currently believed that the decorated ivory object may have been part of a wooden box.

“It was probably used as a decorative element on a wooden box or some kind of wooden furniture. This artifact is damaged on both sides and we see the top and bottom in their original forms. Most likely, it was part of a larger composition,” commented the head of the excavations, Professor Dr. Andreas Schachner (according to Anadolu Agency).

Professor Schachner emphasized the importance of this artifact, noting: “This find is unique to Boğazköy. This is the first time we have encountered such a work, decorated with such a colorful scene. During large-scale excavations in this area, we have not previously been able to find anything like this.”

In terms of the scene presented, the iconography, and the style of use, this artifact can reveal Boğazköy’s relationship with Southeast Anatolia, as well as its artistic relationships with the Southwest and Greece during the era of the first millennium BC.

“We are delighted with our find. This artifact gives us the first insight into the art of that time. This is a truly important object,” said the professor, speaking on behalf of the team of archaeologists.

Schachner stressed that after the completion of scientific research, this artifact will be presented at the Boğazköy Museum to provide visitors with a glimpse into the past and immerse themselves in the amazing heritage of the Hittite civilization.

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News agencies contributed to this report, edited and published by ORDO News editors.

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