Oguz Kurgan, Scythian burial mound in Henichesk Raion, Ukraine.
Oguz Kurgan is a burial mound on the Black Sea steppe and ranks among the largest funerary structures in the region, rising several meters high. The mound was constructed in ancient times and later damaged during archaeological excavations.
The mound dates to the 4th century BCE and served as the burial site for a descendant of the Scythian king Atheus. Local farmers first uncovered the site in 1901, revealing precious objects before systematic archaeological work took place.
The burial site contains remains of multiple horses with elaborate bridle ornaments, reflecting how important these animals were in Scythian royal life. These offerings reveal the high status of the person buried here and the rituals surrounding death.
The mound sits in an open steppe landscape with little shelter from the sun and heat during warm months. Visitors should bring water, sun protection, and sturdy footwear, as the ground is uneven and rocky in places.
The mound served as a natural stopping point for nomadic herds and travelers crossing the steppe for centuries. Its elevated position made it visible from great distances, serving as a landmark in an otherwise flat landscape.
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