Ancient mound of over 5,000 years old found in area falling under responsibility of Gazprom Transgaz Stavropol

Photos

Unique archaeological artifacts have been discovered in the area of operations of the Izobilnensky branch of Gazprom Transgaz Stavropol.

Ornament on ancient clayware

Enlarged photo (JPEG, 92.3 KB)

An ancient mound was discovered within the design area of prospective repair works. Archaeologists arrived at the site. The excavations started in early February and ended at the end of last week. Seven burials belonging to different periods were found by the specialists. The oldest one, which dates back to the period approximately between the 36th and the 33rd centuries BC, belongs to the so-called Pit Grave culture (the name derives from the tradition of burying people in pit graves) of the early Bronze Age. The mound also contained burials of the Sarmatian period (approximately 1th to 3rd centuries AD). The latest burial belongs to the period of the Great Nogai Horde (16th century AD). The archaeologists also discovered household items, jewelry and weapons: ancient pottery, arrowheads, a bronze knife, jewelry, clothing fasteners, etc.

Ancient toggle for clothes

Enlarged photo (JPEG, 77.5 KB)

“Every mound is unique; there is always a secret and we do not know what we are going to discover until the last moment,” said Oksana Sergeeva, Director of Excavations, specialist of Georesurs-KB. “There are many sites like this one in the Stavropol Territory. Every find is of scientific value. As there are no written sources to study, it is multi-layered mound burials that help draw up the chronology of the region's settlement and history.”

Oksana Sergeeva, specialist of Georesurs-KB, telling gas workers about archaeological finds

Enlarged photo (JPEG, 141.5 KB)

The archaeologists took gas workers on a tour of the site, showed them the artifacts discovered and shared interesting historical information about the finds.

Entire area of excavations

Enlarged photo (JPG, 262 KB)

“Many unique archaeological researches have been performed over the years of our activities in the areas of our works,” noted Alexey Zavgorodnev, Director General of Gazprom Transgaz Stavropol. “This time, new archaeological evidence was found in the area falling under the responsibility of the Izobilnenskoye Gas Pipeline Operation Center. We always treat the historical and cultural heritage of the territory of our company's operations with utmost care. All artifacts discovered were submitted to the local history museum. After they are studied in due course, they will be put on display for all residents and guests of the region to see, I guess.”