A remarkable archaeological discovery has been made in the Atyrau region of western Kazakhstan, where ancient Sarmatian tombs dating back to the 5th century BCE have been unearthed. The Presidential Communications Service of Kazakhstan announced the findings, which were the result of over a year of excavations at a burial mound measuring 70 meters in diameter and three meters in height.
Archaeologists uncovered nine collective burial sites within the mound, seven of which had been previously looted. Despite this, a wealth of artifacts was still retrieved, including human remains, gold jewelry, iron and bronze weaponry, and everyday objects such as ceramic vessels.
“Until now, scientists considered this region to be the outskirts of the Sarmatian empire. However, based on our excavations, we can assert that the Caspian Lowland and the area between the Ural and Emba rivers were, in fact, at the heart of a vast empire,” said Marat Kasenov, the head of the archaeological team.
According to the researchers, approximately 1,000 artifacts were recovered, 100 of which are gold ornaments and pieces of jewelry. These items are intricately designed in the animalistic style, featuring depictions of animals that once inhabited the region, including leopards, wild boars, tigers, and saiga antelopes. Among the notable discoveries are two wooden bowls that have remained exceptionally well-preserved—an unprecedented find in the area. The bowls are currently undergoing restoration.
Another extraordinary find includes two touchstones with golden handles, an artifact never before discovered in this region. The Sarmatians used such stones to determine the authenticity and quality of gold. Additionally, archaeologists uncovered golden clothing ornaments, some weighing as little as two grams. The heaviest gold artifact recovered is a bracelet weighing approximately 370 grams, adorned with images of a mountain leopard on both sides.
“These discoveries provide new insights into the Sarmatian civilization and its extensive influence,” remarked Galamat Bazarbayev from the Regional Museum of History and Local Knowledge in Atyrau.
The findings shed fresh light on the Sarmatians, their burial customs, and the central role this region played in their empire. Researchers continue to analyze the artifacts, hoping to further unravel the mysteries of this ancient nomadic culture.