In a fascinating discovery in Crimea, Russian archaeologists have revealed that the peculiarly elongated skull of a young boy found in a tomb belonged to an ancient Sarmatian trainee warrior. The artificially lengthened head was a cultural feature in grooming Sarmatian fighters nearly two thousand years ago.
Unearthed at a burial site near the £2.9 billion bridge under construction by Vladimir Putin to connect the peninsula annexed from Ukraine in 2014 to mainland Russia, this ‘half-alien’ skeleton immediately caught the attention of archaeologists. While some have dubbed it an “alien’s grave,” experts have clarified its historical significance.
The boy, believed to be from the second century AD and aged between 18 months and two years old at the time of death, underwent the practice of skull elongation as part of Sarmatian warrior training. Nikolay Sudarev from the Archaeology Institute of Russian Academy of Sciences dismissed claims of extraterrestrial connections, explaining that elongated skulls were a tradition in Sarmatian culture, perceived as a mark of beauty and a symbol of a “true warrior.”
This deformation process, carried out in childhood without surgery, involved tying special wooden planks to the skull, shaping and pressing the bones over time. Such alterations were believed to enhance a warrior’s aggression and character.
The excavated tomb also yielded additional artifacts, including a clay vessel and tiny beads, while a copper bracelet adorned the boy’s arm. Experts suggest that these findings highlight the cultural significance of skull deformations, aiming to shape an individual into a more aggressive fighter.
While identified as male, the Sarmatians, who once dominated this region, were known for their female warriors. The discovery at Kyz-Aul, near Kerch, emphasizes the prominent role of women in Sarmatian warfare, echoing the inspiration they provided to the legendary Amazons.