Issyk kurgan, Burial mound in Almaty Region, Kazakhstan
Issyk kurgan is a burial complex in Almaty Region containing 45 royal mounds of varying sizes. These earthen structures range from 30 to 90 meters in diameter and 4 to 15 meters in height, creating an archaeological landscape of ancient tombs.
Soviet archaeologists discovered this burial site dating to the 4th century BCE in 1969, uncovering a collection of over 4,000 gold ornaments and artifacts. These findings reveal the wealth and craftsmanship of the Saka culture during this period.
The silver bowl discovered here features inscriptions that provide rare evidence of written language used by the Saka people. These markings help researchers understand how this ancient population communicated and organized their society.
The archaeological complex sits about 50 kilometers east of Almaty and is reachable by regular transportation services. Visitors should expect open terrain and plan time to walk among the various mounds spread across the site.
Skeletal remains studied by researchers show a blend of European and Mongoloid features, pointing to connections with Semirechye Saka tribes. These physical characteristics offer clues about the origins and movements of this ancient population group.
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