LONG-RANGE METAL WEAPONS FROM KURUL FORTRESS IN THE LIGHT OF RECENT FINDINGS

Abstract

Kurul Fortress is one of the fortified Northern Anatolian settlements
 noticeable for its finds representing the Late Hellenistic Period. The general character of
 the settlement reflects a fortified settlement with adjacent regular rooms surrounded by a
 main defensive wall supported by towers. According to the archaeological evidence
 obtained, it is understood that the settlement was fortified during the Pontic king
 Mithradates VI Eupator. The reign of Mithradates VI has an important role in military history
 due to the wars against the Roman Republic. In ancient sources, there are statements
 about how the third war (74-63 BC) brought destruction to the settlements in Pontos
 geography. Excavations carried out at Kurul Fortress present finds parallel to those
 described in ancient sources, with traces of fire reflecting a great destruction and
 numerous weapon finds. During excavations from 2010 to 2022, a total of 1,289 weapons
 were found, 967 of which are metal. Among the metal weapons in which iron and lead are
 used as raw materials, long-range weapons constitute the largest percentage. With this
 study, it is aimed to reconsider the long-range metal weapons found at Kurul Fortress with
 regard to the current data.