Investigation of the burial mounds of early nomads of the Irtysh river region of Semey

Archaeological investigations of burial mounds in the Semeytau and Kokentau mountain ranges, part of the UNESCO-listed Saryarka Steppe and Lakes, reveal significant parallels with early nomadic cultures dating back to the 5th–3rd centuries BC. The study, conducted between 2014 and 2018, uncovered 13 burial mounds across six sites, yielding artifacts such as iron rods, ram vertebrae, semiprecious stone necklaces, and bone/bronze arrowheads. These findings align with the Kulazhorga-type monuments of the Upper Irtysh region and early Wusun archaeological culture, particularly in design and burial practices. Radiocarbon dating confirms the mounds' age, emphasizing their cultural significance within the broader Saryarka landscape.

Aitkali, A., Zhuniskhanov, A., & Rakhmankulov, E. (2023). Investigation of the burial mounds of early nomads of the Irtysh river region of Semey. Археология Казахстана, (3 (21)), 82–94. https://doi.org/10.52967/akz2023.3.21.82.94