For centuries, historians and archaeologists have debated the role of women in medieval warfare. While men were often depicted as warriors, evidence of women buried with weapons has occasionally surfaced, sparking controversy and debate.
A new archaeological discovery in Hungary sheds new light on this topic.
Archaeologists have successfully identified the first-known female burial containing weapons in the 10th-century Carpathian Basin, Hungary.
The researchers employed a rigorous approach, combining morphological and genetic analysis to confirm the sex of the skeletal remains.
"Our findings support the identification of this case as the first known female burial with weapon from the 10th-century-CE Carpathian Basin," they wrote in the study paper.
The individual (dubbed SH-63) was discovered within the Sárrétudvari-Hízóföld cemetery in Hungary.
This cemetery is the largest of its kind in the country. It is known for the large number of burials containing weapons and horse-riding equipment. As per Phys.org, this period in Hungary was marked by the Hungarian Conquest, a time when mounted archers played a crucial role in warfare across Europe.
The researchers uncovered unique grave goods found with individual SH-63. Despite the lack of "wealthy" items, the burial's contents were distinctive.
Male burials in this cemetery typically included functional items like jewelry, clothing accessories, and tools, along with weapons, especially archery equipment. Horse-riding gear was also common. In contrast, female burials more often contained jewelry and decorative items, with tools less frequently found.
Interestingly, the grave artifacts of SH-63 showed a combination of items typically found in both male and female burials. This included common jewelry and clothing accessories. Overall, the grave items were "relatively simple" compared to other graves in the cemetery.
The grave contained a collection of items including a silver hair ring, bell buttons, beads, an armor-piercing arrowhead, parts of a quiver, and a bow plate made of antlers.
Just from the skeleton remains it becomes difficult to ascertain the gender. However, scientific analysis, including both morphological and genetic testing, can help to confirm the sex of the individual.
In this case, analysis of the skull and genetic markers from various body parts confirmed that the remains belonged to a female.
Furthermore, the poor condition of the skeleton made it difficult to determine the age at death, stature, and health conditions of the individual.
After meticulous efforts, they were able to identify some signs of osteoporosis -- this bone disease is said to be more prevalent in older women, further supporting the sex determination.
They also found evidence of three major traumas and changes in joint morphology, suggesting a life of physical hardship or combat.
The skeleton exhibited changes in the areas where bones and muscles connect.
These observed changes are similar to those found in other graves containing weapons and/or horse-riding equipment, suggesting that this woman may have lived a more physically active life. She was potentially involved in combat or equestrian activities.
"We analyzed the skeletal remains (SH-63) using both anthropological and archaeogenetic methods. The results consistently indicated that the skeleton belonged to an adult female," the study noted.
The individuals buried in the Sárrétudvari-Hízóföld cemetery, including the female warrior (SH-63), likely shared similar lifestyles involving physically demanding activities.