Early Iron Age burial ground unearthed in Karaganda region

A new archaeological discovery has been made within the Taldy Historical and Archaeological Park, situated in the Shet district of the Karaganda region, according to Kazinform, a partner of TV BRICS.

A burial ground dating back to the Early Iron Age has been unearthed by a team of archaeologists from Buketov Karaganda University. During excavations, they uncovered a Korgantas-type complex beneath the stone covering of one of the burial mounds.

“This type of burial is rare in our region. The burial site has not been destroyed, which is very important. The position of the deceased is specific to the Early Iron Age monuments. Excavations in the Taldy Historical and Archaeological Park will continue with the support of the Karaganda region’s culture and archives department. The works at the site will be conducted both in 2024 and next year,” stated Aleksey Kukushkin, Director of the Saryarka Archeological Institute.

Located in the Taldy Valley, a key hub of ancient civilisation in Central Kazakhstan, the Taldy Historical and Archaeological Park showcases the legacy of nomadic cultures from the Iron Age through to the mediaeval era. The park features around 200 monuments from various historical periods. Among the highlights is a steppe pyramid, part of the Karazhartas burial ground.

Archaeological excavations are conducted here on a seasonal basis, frequently yielding new discoveries.

This season, researchers identified an additional burial site constructed atop floor slabs from a Bronze Age stone box. Alongside human remains, three skulls of small cattle were recovered, as well as iron objects that were heavily oxidised.

Photo: Saryarkinsky Archaeological Institute / Kazinform