During preparation for construction of the Far-Off Western Bypass of Krasnodar (FWBK) on M-4 Don Highway, archaeologists revealed remnants of ancient cultures.
Currently, the researchers are carrying out excavation of several mounds. Burial mounds are rather widespread in this part of Krasnodar Krai, as this place was a spring of several cultures at the beginning of the third millennium B.C. Archaeologists have found five burial places in one of the mounds. The oldest of them dates back to the ancient Catacomb culture (beginning of 3rd millennium B.C.).
Although usually no tools were put in graves during this period (no ritual objects were used), scientists revealed a bone belt buckle in the mound embankment, which is unique for this territory. Goods of this kind were only found twice during 150 years of Krasnodar Krai research. In addition, a burial place of a young woman was found. It relates to Early Iron Age of the Sarmatian culture. A clay vessel had been put near the body with a bronze mirror placed under the skull.
Besides, the archaeologists found out that these had been the sites of ancient nomad rituals, including burial ones. The scientists based their assumption on the revealed remnants of the Ancient ceramics of Early Iron Age and a lot of animal bones which are likely to have been offered up as sacrifice.
Archaeological mission at FWBK will last until October 2020. The scientists are to explore approximately 12,000 square kilometers. They are optimistic about new findings ranging from the Neolithic to Middle Ages.
Artifacts found at FWBK will be further stored and exhibited, among other places, in Krasnodar State History and Archeology Culture Preserve named after E. D. Felitsyn.
