A Runic Inscription at Sarykoby (Southeastern Altai)

A recently discovered runic inscription at the petroglyphic site Sarykoby, located in the Mongolian Altai's Saylyugem Range, offers new insights into the religious and philosophical expressions of ancient Altai. The inscription, consisting of two lines with 21 and 13 characters, translates to a plea for luck or battle, possibly invoking blessings or prayers. Its content, featuring the rare Mongolian loanword 'su' (meaning 'glory, greatness'), suggests intimate, non-public carvings common in Altai runic inscriptions. The shallow carving and inconspicuous placement imply a personal or ritualistic intent, contrasting with typical public displays. This finding enriches our understanding of Altai's cultural and linguistic heritage, highlighting the site's significance as part of UNESCO's World Heritage.

Erdal, M., & Kubarev, G. V. (2020). A Runic Inscription at Sarykoby (Southeastern Altai). Archaeology, Ethnology & Anthropology of Eurasia, 47(4), 93–98. https://doi.org/10.17746/1563-0110.2019.47.4.093-098