Archaeologists Discover Sacrificial Necropolis Containing Cache of Relics

Archaeologists from the Russian Academy of Sciences' Institute of Archaeology have uncovered an extraordinary necropolis at Vysokaya Mogila-Studenikin Mar in Russias Orenburg Region.

Massive Necropolis in the Southern Urals

Located in the Southern Ural Mountains, the site is a large sacrificial complex containing over 100 bronze items, gold decorations, and rare horse equipment once used by elite nomadic groups during the 4th century B.C. The Ural Archaeological Expedition conducted the excavations during the summer.

Experts have described this necropolis as the largest early nomadic burial site ever discovered in the area.

Rich Collection of Artifacts

The treasures were found in a shallow circular pit and include complete horse bridles with iron bits, horn and metal cheek-pieces called "psalia," iron girth buckles, bridle harnesses, and ornaments made of bronze and bone. In total, the site yielded 100 significant artifacts and about 500 smaller decorative items.

Among the most notable finds were twelve flat circular plaques adorned with detailed dotted patterns, swastikas, birds, and mythical creatures.

Ritual Objects and Burial Practices

Additional discoveries, such as a ritual wooden bowl with silver fittings, boar jawbones, and a broken ceramic vessel, suggest the necropolis was used for both burial and post-burial ceremonies. Dating indicates these rituals occurred from the late 4th century to the early 3rd century B.C., a time when nomadic elites dominated the Southern Ural region.

Unique Finds and Cultural Connections

Many of the items, including the plaques and some horse equipment, are the first of their kind discovered in the region. Archaeologists noted that these artifacts, used by the wealthiest individuals, have direct parallels with items found in the North Caucasus, Don, and Northern Black Sea regions. This division of artifacts highlights extensive cultural networks connecting Iron Age nomadic societies across the Eurasian steppe.

Author: Lucas Grant