Recent archaeological excavations in the Mongolian region of Dornod have uncovered an elite tomb built into the walls of an abandoned fort. The tomb dates back to post-Khitan and pre-Mongol times.
As part of a Mongolian-Israeli-American archaeological project, the discovery provides a fascinating insight into the social structure, trade networks and burial practices of the era. It also has the potential to completely change our understanding of the political and cultural changes that took place on the Mongol steppe in the 12th and 13th centuries – scientists say this tomb appears to have been built after the fort a be abandoned, meaning that the place has been reused. during the political transition, writing Arkeo news.
Archaeologists have discovered a well-preserved tomb inside the outer enclosure wall, which dates back to between 1158 and 1214 AD. It was found at the site of the ancient fortified center of Khar Nuur, known as “Cluster 27”. The complex is located near the northeastern border of Mongolia, a strategically important region that was once a stronghold of the Khitan Empire and is known for its extensive network of walls and fortresses.
The great Kitan-Liao Empire (916–1125 CE) once ruled much of what is now central and eastern Mongolia. After the fall of the Mongol Empire and the legendary Genghis Khan, they enjoyed success in 1206 AD. The Mongolian-Israeli-American archeology project has been conducting research and excavations along the Kitan border “long walls” in northeastern Mongolia since 2018.
Analysis of the unearthed tomb shows that it predates the use of the fortress and offers valuable information about the networks and organization of local communities in the 12th century AD.
The skeleton of an adult woman, probably between 40 and 60 years old, dressed in a silk cloak and decorated with priceless materials, was found in a wooden coffin in the tomb. She likely belonged to the elite, as evidenced by the gold earrings, silver bowl, bronze vessel, gold bracelet, and coral and glass beads found in her grave, among other grave goods.
A small bronze cup with geometric shapes and fine lines engraved is one of the most special finds. It is very different from other medieval artefacts found in Mongolia, suggesting that it may be the same object or have some connection to an unknown craft tradition. In addition, wooden pieces covered with leather and set in bronze were found. It is not known what the cause is, but it may have been an earthquake or a case for a bow and arrow, common items that were buried among men during the Mongol Empire.
An additional souvenir worth noting is a silver bowl that was originally about 17 cm in diameter but was broken into 26 pieces. The bowl, which has carved motifs and golden stripes, does not seem to have a direct resemblance, although similar objects have been found in medieval tombs of the Mongol period.
The fact that a member of the elite was buried at an abandoned frontier site means that the ancient fortresses were not only military strongholds, but also places of lasting cultural and symbolic significance, which lasted long after their fall. the empire. The combination of local elements with luxury items such as gold and silver jewelery suggests a society in flux, shaped by the cultural influence of neighboring civilizations as well as its own nomadic traditions.
Earlier, OBOZ.UA reported that archaeologists found skeletons of Pompeian victims, which shed light on the events of 2000 years ago.
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2024-08-23 06:02:15
