MINSK, 20 May (BelTA) - The rich collection of weapons discovered at the Nikodimovo hillfort was reviewed by Chairman of the Commission on Education, Culture and Science of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus Igor Marzalyuk in the BelTA’s project True History. Lectures by Igor Marzalyuk.
The Nikodimovo hillfort settlement is a unique archaeological site and one of the oldest centers of power on the territory of Belarus, dating back to the 5th-7th centuries AD and considered to be of global significance.“During the excavations of the settlement, archaeologists uncovered a great deal of interesting material previously unknown to science. The houses and their construction were thoroughly studied. But most importantly, we are looking at the oldest center of power on Belarusian lands. The hillfort served as the residence of a chieftain and his retinue. The nature of the findings, including the presence of various grain crops, shows that the hillfort functioned as a residence and fortress. It was a major center of authority and a place where tribute was collected from the surrounding rural area,” the historian said.
“During the excavations, a rich collection of weapons comprising 43 items was assembled. These include spearheads and throwing darts, arrowheads, horse and rider equipment, spurs, bits and harness buckles,” Igor Marzalyuk noted. In terms of the number of ancient weapons discovered, all other well-studied archaeological cultures fall behind the Nikodimovo hillfort.
“During excavations in 2004 led by Anatoly Sedin, the oldest sword in our country was found, dating back to the 6th century AD. It is a fragment of a sword with a blade width of 5.5cm. Unfortunately, the crossguard and pommel were not preserved. After the owner’s death, the sword was deliberately broken and bent,” Igor Marzalyuk said.
“Bent or broken weapons are part of a ritual common to many Indo-European peoples, but especially the Celts. The Germans and Balts later adopted this custom from them. Why was this done? According to their beliefs, every sword had a soul. After the owner’s death, the sword was supposed to continue serving him in the afterlife. Therefore, the weapon had to be ‘killed’ by bending or breaking it,” the historian explained.The people who performed this ritual had taken part in military campaigns across Europe, from where they brought back the custom, he added.
“During excavations in 2004 led by Anatoly Sedin, the oldest sword in our country was found, dating back to the 6th century AD. It is a fragment of a sword with a blade width of 5.5cm. Unfortunately, the crossguard and pommel were not preserved. After the owner’s death, the sword was deliberately broken and bent,” Igor Marzalyuk said.
“Bent or broken weapons are part of a ritual common to many Indo-European peoples, but especially the Celts. The Germans and Balts later adopted this custom from them. Why was this done? According to their beliefs, every sword had a soul. After the owner’s death, the sword was supposed to continue serving him in the afterlife. Therefore, the weapon had to be ‘killed’ by bending or breaking it,” the historian explained.The people who performed this ritual had taken part in military campaigns across Europe, from where they brought back the custom, he added.
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