Lchashen Wagon, the Amazingly Preserved Ancient Wooden Wagon

When excavating ancient sites, archaeologists are often left with remains that are made from non-perishable items. Wood, leather, flesh, cloth, and any organic items are almost never discovered, as they rot away and disappear over the centuries. But if just the right conditions are met, and the soil has the right chemical composition, even these organic materials can be preserved for a very long time. Thanks to this, Soviet archaeologists were able to uncover the Lchashen Wagon, a remarkable relic from the ancient world, which provides a fascinating glimpse into the technological advancements and cultural practices of the early Iron Age.

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Lchachsen Wagon, National History Museum of Armenia. (Palickap/CC BY 4.0)

Lchachsen Wagon and the Evidence of Ancient Transportation Methods

Wonderfully preserved, the wagon is a great insight into the ingenuity and craftsmanship of its creators. This ancient artifact not only highlights the sophistication of early transportation methods but also serves as a critical piece of evidence in understanding the socio-economic and cultural dynamics of the region during that period.

The wagon was discovered in 1956 during excavations at the Lchashen cemetery on the shores of Lake Sevan in Armenia. To help irrigate the vast Ararat plain nearby, the Soviets had to drain a portion of the lake, lowering its levels and revealing a massive historical location. This site, rich in archaeological treasures, has yielded numerous artifacts dating back to the Bronze and Iron Ages.

The cemetery, with its extensive burial mounds and grave goods, provides a comprehensive view of the region's ancient inhabitants who likely belonged to the Lchashen-Metsamor culture.

Among the most significant finds was the Lchashen wagon, which dates back to the 15th-14th centuries BC. This discovery was pivotal in showing the technological prowess of the people who inhabited this area during the early Iron Age.

The wagon is considered a marvel of ancient engineering. Measuring approximately 2 meters (6.5 ft) in length, it is constructed primarily of oak wood, with bronze fittings that highlight the metallurgical skills of its makers. The wagon's frame is composed of sturdy wooden beams, intricately joined together to provide strength and durability. The wheels, also made of wood, are reinforced with bronze hubs and rims, ensuring they could withstand the rigors of travel over rough terrain.

The use of bronze not only for functional purposes but also for decorative elements indicates a high level of craftsmanship and an understanding of both aesthetics and utility.

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The retrieved wagon is complete. (Phoenix Tour)

Travelling on the Shores of Lake Sevan

Extensive research and scanning indicates that parts of the wagon had intricate carvings and decorative elements. The wooden surfaces were likely adorned with geometric patterns and animal motifs, which reflect the artistic sensibilities of the time and suggest that the wagon was made for a powerful person, likely a local ruler. These decorations are not merely ornamental but also serve as cultural markers, providing insights into the symbolic and religious beliefs of the ancient Armenians. The presence of such detailed artwork on a utilitarian object like a wagon indicates the importance of art and symbolism in their daily lives.

The discovery of the Lchashen wagon has significant implications for our understanding of ancient transportation and trade. Wagons such as this one were likely used for a variety of purposes, including the transportation of goods, agricultural produce, and possibly even people. The existence of such a sophisticated vehicle suggests that the region had developed a network of trade routes, facilitating the exchange of goods and ideas. This, in turn, implies a certain level of socio-economic complexity and organization within the society. Besides this wagon, a total of 12 were discovered in the region, in various states of preservation.

The ability to create durable and functional vehicles would have been crucial for the movement of goods and people, contributing to the economic and cultural development of the region. The integration of bronze into the wagon's design highlights the metallurgical capabilities of the society and suggests that they had access to resources and trade networks that allowed them to acquire and utilize this valuable material. And a high-degree of woodworking skill tells us that it took a lot of work hours and effort to construct one such vehicle.

Preserved Beneath the Sevan Lake

Since the wagon was discovered within the bounds of a vast burial site, it is proposed that it belonged to a high status person, and was buried with them as something to be used in the afterlife. As such, the find also tells us something about the funerary beliefs of the peoples belonging to the ancient Lchashen-Metsamor culture.

But without a doubt, this find is incredibly important to help us gain a better understanding of the early history of Armenia, and the migrations of the Indo-Europeans, to whom this early culture likely belonged. What is more, the wagon's construction, decoration, and context within the Lchashen cemetery all contribute to a better understanding of ancient beliefs and traditions, as well as the technological capabilities of ancient culture. Have we doubted the abilities of our shared ancestors?

Top image: Lchachsen Wagon, National History Museum of Armenia. Source: Phoenix Tour

By Aleksa Vučković