Archaeologists have uncovered stunning gold jewelry and weapons from three ancient burial mounds in Kazakhstan, dating back to the fifth century B.C. The artifacts, crafted by the Sarmatian nomads, reveal intricate designs of leopards, tigers, and other regional predators, shedding new light on the culture and territory of this ancient civilization.
The discoveries were made in the western Atyrau region, located just north of the Caspian Sea. Previously, scientists believed this area was on the outskirts of Sarmatian territory. However, the findings suggest it may have been closer to the heart of their civilization.
Marat Kassenov, the archaeologist leading the excavation, explained that over 1,000 artifacts have been recovered from the burial mounds, including around 100 gold ornaments and jewelry. These pieces feature the distinctive “animalistic” style of the Sarmatians, with images of leopards, wild boars, and tigers.
In addition to the jewelry, the team found human remains, ceramics, two rare wooden bowls, and two black “touchstones” with gold handles. These touchstones were likely used to test the purity of metals like gold.
The Sarmatian Nomads
The Sarmatians were a nomadic people who roamed the steppes between Eastern Europe and Central Asia from the fifth century B.C. to the fourth century A.D. They are first mentioned in Persian writings based on ancient oral histories and were likely part of the broader Scythian culture, which spanned from the Black Sea to China.
Later, the Sarmatians allied with the Goths and other Germanic tribes, settling in the Western Roman Empire after its fall in the fifth century. They also served as heavy cavalry for the Byzantine Empire, also known as the Eastern Roman Empire.
The Burial Mounds
The recent discoveries were made during excavations of the “Karabau-2” burial mound in the Atyrau region, conducted in 2023 and 2024. These mounds, known as “kurgans,” are common in Eastern Europe and derive their name from a Turkish word meaning “mound.”
The Karabau-2 kurgan stands about 10 feet (3 meters) high and spans 230 feet (70 meters) in diameter. Archaeologists identified at least nine individual burials at the site, with only two showing signs of looting.
Two other nearby burial mounds were also excavated, each containing 10 to 15 graves. These yielded iron and bronze weapons, jewelry, household items, and silver “pictograms” depicting a saiga antelope and a wolf. One grave contained a particularly striking gold bracelet weighing approximately 13 ounces (370 grams).
The high value of the artifacts suggests the kurgans were burial sites for wealthy or even royal Sarmatians. These findings provide valuable insights into the culture, artistry, and territorial influence of this ancient nomadic civilization.
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