Biomarkers in archaeology – Land use around the Uyghur capital Karabalgasun, Orkhon Valley, Mongolia

Research around the UNESCO World Heritage Site Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape reveals that the Uyghur capital Karabalgasun was significantly larger and more functionally diverse than previously understood. Analysis of specific lipids in topsoil samples from large oval enclosures surrounding the site provided evidence that these areas were used for horticulture rather than livestock, challenging assumptions about land use patterns. The study also identified smaller square compounds nearby as human settlements, marked by roof tiles and ceramic sherds. This pioneering application of lipid analysis offers a new method to distinguish between agricultural practices such as horticulture and livestock keeping, addressing a critical gap in understanding the interplay between nomadic and agricultural societies.

Bemmann, J., Lehndorff, E., Klinger, R., Linzen, S., Munkhbayar, L., Oczipka, M., Piezonka, H., & Reichert, S. (2014). Biomarkers in archaeology – Land use around the Uyghur capital Karabalgasun, Orkhon Valley, Mongolia. Praehistorische Zeitschrift, 89(2), 337–370. https://doi.org/10.1515/pz-2014-0022