Ancient artifacts unearthed in Kazakhstan shed light on Sarmatian culture
In Kazakhstan's Atrau region, located in the Caspian Sea area, archaeological excavations at Sarmatian-era burial sites have revealed ancient treasures. A leopard-depicted bracelet was showcased for the first time in an exhibition at the Atrau Regional History Museum on January 27, 2025. (AA Photo)
A remarkable archaeological discovery has been made in Kazakhstan’s Atrau region near the Caspian Sea, where excavations in ancient Sarmatian burial sites have unearthed artifacts dating back centuries.
Sarmatian treasures emerge from Karabau-2 burial mound
According to the Atrau regional administration, archaeological excavations have been ongoing for the past two years at the “Karabau-2” kurgan, a burial mound associated with the nomadic Sarmatian people.
Of the nine graves examined, seven contained artifacts dating from the sixth century B.C. to the fourth century A.D. The discoveries include Sarmatian-era jewelry, weapons, ceramic vessels, and human remains, offering a deeper understanding of the region’s rich history.
Rare golden bracelet featuring leopards draws attention
The excavated artifacts were put on display for the first time at the Atrau Regional History Museum. One of the most striking pieces in the collection is a gold bracelet weighing approximately 370 grams, adorned with depictions of snow leopards on both sides.
The intricate craftsmanship of the bracelet has captivated visitors, highlighting the artistic achievements of the Sarmatians.
1,000-year-old artifacts confirm Sarmatian rule in Atrau
Kazakh archaeologist Marat Kasenov emphasized that Atrau has long been recognized by scholars as a key region of the Sarmatian Empire.
“The number of ancient artifacts discovered so far is around 1,000, with 100 of them being gold ornaments,” he noted. “The jewelry often features depictions of predators such as leopards, wild boars, and tigers, which were significant in the local culture.”
Kasenov also revealed that the latest excavations uncovered two exceptionally well-preserved wooden cups—an unprecedented find in Kazakhstan. “These wooden artifacts have never been seen before in our country. Their excellent preservation makes them a unique addition to our historical record,” he added.
The recent discoveries further solidify the Atrau region’s status as an archaeological treasure trove, offering fresh insights into the Sarmatian civilization that once thrived in Central Asia.
