Prehistoric Mongolian Archaeology in the Early 21st Century: Developments in the Steppe and Beyond

Recent archaeological research in Mongolia has significantly advanced our understanding of the region's prehistoric and medieval cultural sequences, particularly through the development of precise chronologies and regional studies. The study highlights unique data from Mongolia that contribute to global archaeological discourse while addressing long-standing questions about early human habitation, the transition to food-producing economies, Bronze Age social transformations, and the emergence of centralized polities. By synthesizing findings across the Upper Paleolithic, Epipaleolithic/Neolithic, and Bronze Age periods up to the Xiongnu era, this review offers a comparative framework for further examination. The research underscores Mongolia's role as a key region in northeastern Asia, bridging gaps between steppe and broader global prehistory.

Wright, J. (2021). Prehistoric Mongolian Archaeology in the Early 21st Century: Developments in the Steppe and Beyond. Journal of Archaeological Research, 29(3), 431–479. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10814-020-09152-y