A Type of Spearheads of the 13th–14th Centuries from the Territory of the North Caucasus

Abstract

A small group of large-size spearheads with ‘lugs’ in the lower part of the blade is introduced into scientific discourse. In terms of geography, the finds are stretched from the North-Western Caucasus to its north-eastern regions and the North-Western Caspian Sea. The finds, mainly dated to the Golden Horde period, are in several cases associated with Golden Horde settlements and mountain burials from the territory which was not part of the Golden Horde. The finds in question challenge the version of a genetic connection with the earlier samples from Prikuban. A different interpretation of the finds is also proposed, which were used not only for direct utilitarian purposes, but also in a ramming horseman attack. It is likely that they were also intended to fight cavalry.

Keywords

• archaeology
• the north caucasus
• the golden horde
• shaft weapons
• spears with ‘lugs’
• ‘spearmen’
• fighting cavalry