Ancient Saka Weapons Discovered in Qaraganda Region

A rare sword and several other artifacts were discovered during the excavation of a burial mound in Kazakhstan’s Qaraganda Region, Orda.kz reports.

Regional authorities announced that archaeologists uncovered the weapons of a Saka warrior dating back to the 7th–6th centuries BCE. The excavation took place this past summer at the Qarabie burial site in the Aqtogay district. One of the mounds was found untouched — a rare occurrence for such ancient monuments.

Inside, researchers discovered a human skeleton with a bronze sword known as an akinak in the right hand, along with five arrowheads and a gold earring.

According to archaeologist Arman Beissenov, the akinak is the highlight of the discovery — a 30-centimeter, cast bronze short sword decorated with images of predatory birds.

No other akinak of this form or design has been found in Kazakhstan so far. The artifact reflects the high level of metallurgy and artistry of the Saka era,  said archaeologist Arman Beissenov.

The gold earring, meanwhile, suggests that the warrior held a high social status.

Original Author: Igor Ulitin