Unearthing the Hidden History of the Caucasus: Groundbreaking Archaeological Discoveries in Azerbaijan

Researchers have uncovered over 1,300 archaeological sites in Azerbaijan, revealing the Caucasus as a historical hub of cultural exchange

The Caucasus Mountains, long seen as a formidable natural barrier, have proven to be a historical hub of cultural exchange. Stretching over 1,000 kilometers between the Black and Caspian Seas, this region’s archaeological significance has often been underexplored. However, researchers from Kiel University’s ROOTS Cluster of Excellence, in collaboration with the Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, have changed that narrative.

In two field campaigns conducted in 2021 and 2023, the team documented more than 1,300 archaeological sites across Azerbaijan, including over 1,200 burial mounds—known as kurgans—on the Uzun-Rama plateau. The results of these efforts, published in the journal Antiquity, reveal a rich tapestry of burial practices, spanning from the 4th millennium BCE to the Middle Ages.

Using advanced methods like satellite imagery, ground-penetrating radar, and 3D landscape modeling, the researchers mapped the structures with unprecedented precision. These findings not only offer insights into ancient burial cultures but also highlight the interaction between humans and their environment over millennia.

“You can only protect what you know,” says Andrea Ricci, the project lead. This research is a crucial step toward preserving the cultural heritage of the South Caucasus for future generations.

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