Local Elites on the Edge of the State

Abstract This contribution aims to re-evaluate a specific archaeological context linked to the Urartian state, namely the site of Geghovit in Armenia, which is a rock-cut tomb with a funerary assemblage containing several objects of considerable interest due to their historical and cultural implications. The article presents a new analysis of the materials discovered during the construction of a bridge, with particular emphasis on a notable sword. This sword is identified as an akinakes , a distinctive Scythian weapon belonging to the so-called Early Scythian phase. Furthermore, a new chronological proposal is provided for the entire archaeological context.