Stunning 5th-Century BC Gold Bracelet Among 1,000 Treasures Found in Kazakhstan

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Stunning 5th-Century BC Gold Bracelet Among 1,000 Treasures Found in Kazakhstan

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A 5th-century B.C. gold bracelet designed with leopard head motifs, Kazakhstan. Credit: Akimat of Atyrau Region / gov.kz

Archaeologists in Kazakhstan have unearthed a stunning 370-gram gold bracelet from the 5th century B.C., adorned with intricate depictions of mountain leopards. The discovery, made at the Karabau-2 burial mound in the Atyrau region, is among a trove of Sarmatian artifacts that shed new light on this ancient nomadic civilization.

The bracelet, a masterpiece of ancient craftsmanship, was found alongside gold jewelry, weapons, ceramic vessels, and human remains.

Archaeologists believe the burial mound, measuring 70 meters in diameter and three meters in height, belonged to high-ranking Sarmatians, with some tombs identified as “royal tombs” due to the presence of multiple individuals and richly decorated grave goods.

Remarkable discoveries

In addition to the gold bracelet, researchers uncovered silver pictograms depicting saiga antelopes and wolves, iron and bronze weapons, and gold appliqués for clothing.

A particularly rare find included two touchstones with golden handles, believed to have been used by Sarmatian gold traders to verify the purity of gold, a technique still in use today. Another exceptional discovery was a set of two well-preserved wooden bowls, now undergoing restoration.

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A collection of ancient artifacts from the Karabau-2 burial mound. Credit: Akimat of Atyrau Region / gov.kz

In total, around 1,000 artifacts were unearthed, including 100 gold ornaments, many featuring animal motifs such as wild boars, tigers, and antelopes. These findings provide a deeper understanding of Sarmatian artistic traditions and burial practices.

Reevaluating the Sarmatian Empire

For years, scholars considered the Atyrau region to be on the periphery of the Sarmatian Empire. However, the latest discoveries suggest that the Caspian Lowland, the Zhaiyk River, and areas near the Zhem River may have been central to this ancient civilization.

Marat Kasenov, head of the archaeological team said that the number and quality of artifacts suggest that this region was not just a remote outpost but a key center of Sarmatian culture. These burial sites provide a deeper understanding of their social structure, traditions, and daily life.

Future research and expanding excavations

The excavation, conducted between 2023 and 2024, involved 20 workers, five museum staff members, and anthropologists from Astana and Almaty.

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plan to expand their studies with experts in anthropology, geography, and art restoration.

Nearby burial mounds, including Karakuduk-1 and Karakuduk-2, have also yielded significant finds, including silver pictograms, weapons, and jewelry.

Experts estimate that around 500 Sarmatian burial mounds exist in the Atyrau region, many of which remain unexplored.

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An ancient artifact with intricate gold detailing. Credit: Akimat of Atyrau Region / gov.kz

Some artifacts, including the gold bracelet and other treasures, were displayed at “The Gold of the Sarmatians” exhibition, attracting regional officials, historians, and cultural experts. The event highlighted the importance of these discoveries and reinforced Kazakhstan’s rich archaeological heritage.

As research continues, archaeologists hope to uncover more about the Sarmatians’ influence on the broader Eurasian steppe. The Karabau-2 site remains a vital link to the past, offering an extraordinary glimpse into the craftsmanship and traditions of an ancient civilization.

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