The cremation tradition in Urartu

Cremation was one of the most widespread burial rites in Urartu. It was practised over large parts of Urartu, including for the burial of Urartian kings and nobles in the so-called royal tombs on the Rock of Van at Tushpa. Researchers note, however, that no specifically Urartian burial practice can be singled out: in the same settlements and periods, cremation alternated with ordinary burials.

After cremation, the urn was buried in the ground. Sometimes a special clay pot with a characteristic triple hole served as the urn, sometimes simply an old clay vessel. Personal belongings were sometimes placed in the burial: bracelets and wide bronze belts, as well as weapons broken beforehand and horse harness.

The picture shows a rounded clay pot with three small holes.