It comes with a morbid caution.
Just when we think we’ve uncovered every secret of the past, archaeologists unearth a new discovery that unlocks more answers.
Last year researchers found an incredibly preserved 3,000-year-old sword, which likely dates back to the 14th century B.C.E.
The blade wasn’t the only thing found, it was discovered in a grave site along with a range of other artifacts and the skeletons of three people – a man, a woman and a child.
The seal comes with a serious warning (IHA Photo)
Now scientists have uncovered even more mysterious items from the past and one in particular comes with a terrifying warning.
Last year, archaeologists came across a royal seal from the Hittite Empire in the ancient city of Büklükale, in modern day Turkey.
The team had been excavating the site for more than a decade when they found the seal which comes with a worrying warning.
The haunting message emblazoned onto it states: “whoever breaks this will die”.
New discoveries that date back to the Hittite Empire are being uncovered in Turkey (NurPhoto/Getty)
Now the recent find is shedding new light on the practices of the ancient empire, how their religious customs and legal operations were conducted.
Speaking to the İhlas News Agency, Dr. Matsumara, who led the group to the discovery, said: “There is cuneiform writing on this seal. On the seal, the Great King Tabarna (Sovereign King) or Tavananna (Sovereign Queen) writes ‘Whoever breaks this will die’.
“These seals were usually stamped on contracts, stating that if something was done against the contract, it would be penalized. The king and queen from Hattusa sent something here. This shows that this city was in intensive relations between Hattusa and the royal family.
Archaeologist groups are finding answers in Turkey (Mehmet Siddik Kaya/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
“Recently, Hurrian tablets have been found. The discovery of Hurrian tablets shows that religious ceremonies were held here. It is known that these ceremonies were held by the Hittite royal family, the king or queen. Therefore, it is thought that the Hittite king came or resided here. It shows that Büklükale was an important city.”
Exactly how important the ancient city once was may become clear with further excavations.
There have been other artifacts uncovered recently that have also unlocked secrets to civilizations that are long gone.
A small stone seal that depicts Hercules – known in Greek and Roman mythology as the god of strength and heroes – dates all the way back to around 800-750 BCE and was found by an archaeological team in Tel Hazor, Israel, in 2022.
It’s hoped that the more we unearth, the closer we’ll get to understanding these mysterious, ancient empires.
