Agalarzade A.M. (Baku, Azerbaijan Republic)
Archaeological excavations in southern Azerbaijan commenced in the 1890s. These pioneering studies are primarily associated with Jacques de Morgan (1857, Huisseau-sur-Cosson – 1924, Marseille), an archaeologist affiliated with France's Musée d'Archéologie Nationale (National Archaeological Museum) in Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Morgan conducted excavations across Iran, the South Caucasus, Egypt, India, and elsewhere. Although his initial work focused on Egypt, where he led the Agency for the Study of Ancient Egypt from 1892 to 1897, he undertook his first excavations within the territory of Lankaran and Lerik regions in 1890. During these campaigns in the Lerik region, Morgan excavated numerous monumental sites and transferred the associated material cultural remains to the Musée d'Archéologie Nationale. In late 2012, under the France-funded project "Studies of Jacques de Morgan’s Heritage," the author of this paper participated in a research exchange at the Musée d'Archéologie Nationale in Saint-Germain-en-Laye. The primary objective was to study archaeological materials originally removed from Azerbaijan by Morgan. This research aimed to document these findings and assess their significance within the broader context of South Caucasus archaeology, particularly during the Late Bronze to Early Iron Age transition. The assemblage – comprising pottery, metal weaponry, ornaments, tools, and other diverse artifacts – provides detailed insights into the handicrafts, economic activities, and spiritual life of ancient tribes inhabiting this region during that period.