Pages: 283-289

The article explores use of javelins by ancient nomads in Tien-Shan region. A small set of bronze javelinheads was collected, related to 7th—5th cc. BC. The javelinheads have leafshaped form and length of 20 cm on average. In this region they continued the line of development preserved here from the Bronze Age. Preservation of such tradition among the ancient nomads might have been influenced by their intense contacts with Achaemenid Iran, where javelins were widely used by light cavalry. But, in general, use of javelins was untypical for ancient nomads of Central Asia in Saka (Scythian) period.

Keywords: Central Asia, Tien-Shan region, ancient nomads, Saka (Scythian) period, warfare, javelins

Information about author:

Sergey Ivanov (Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Kyrgyz National University named after J. Balasagyn. Frunze St., 547, Bishkek, 720033, Kyrgyzstan.
E-mail: [email protected]