The 20th field season of the Kozybayev University archaeological expedition near the village of Dolmatovo, North Kazakhstan region, is ending.

About 50 students are conducting scientific research in a field camp at the Ak Iriy site, discovered by archaeologist Anatoly Pleshakov in 1968. Excavations began 36 years later. Every year the expedition discovers new historical facts about the unique settlement of ancient people. It dates presumably from the early Iron Age. This is the northernmost settlement of the Saka period in the country, which served as a kind of outpost. It is located on a high triangular cape, protected on two sides by river cliffs, and on the other separated by fortifications, thereby representing an impregnable fortress.

At first, scientists carried out excavations at the site itself. Household items, fragments of utensils, animal remains, etc. were discovered. Now archaeologists are exploring structures located at a distance from it.

“In the first structure, its volume and vaulted walls are very clearly visible. We cannot talk about exact dating yet. But judging by the bricks, this is the Middle Ages. This is the third year we have been digging here until we reach the bottom of the structure. Already now we see slag, which usually indicates the production of metal. From the smalt formed on the walls of the object, one can understand that there was a long combustion process. Perhaps these are remnants of the smoking process. This is also indicated by the remains of animal carcasses, a cow and a horse, found very nearby. It is quite possible that this object had a dual purpose, metal smelting and meat smoking. This is the first time I have seen such structures in the Eurasian space.This will be a new type of monument. There is a lot of work to be done,” said Kozybayev University professor Anatoly Pleshakov.

Scientific research is being conducted jointly with the SKF Institute of Archeology named after A. Margulan and the North Kazakhstan Regional Museum of Local Lore.

For students, this is a unique experience working with ancient artifacts in the field. This is where research skills are acquired. Their internship at the field camp lasts three weeks. In addition to future historians, astrophysicists also take it. The children study the starry sky, learn how to observe and collect data.

gov.kz

translated by Qazalem