Ritual military complex of the 7th–8th centuries from the Bestamak burial ground (Northern Kazakhstan)


Logvin A. Khassenova B. Shevnina I.
2023Margulan Institute of Archaeology

Kazakhstan Archeology
2023#21Issue 3136 - 150 pp.

In 2002, a collection of weaponry and horse equipment was unearthed at the Bestamak burial ground. In our opinion, the archaeological site should be designated as a ritual military complex. Investigating ancient ceremonial activities presents one of the most challenging tasks in archaeology. However, the consistent composition and circumstances surrounding the discovery of these ceremonial compounds indicate the existence of a specific tradition among the steppe Eurasian population over an extended period. There is a need to study it and identify the causes of its appearance. The ritual complex dates back to the 7th–8th centuries and it symbolizes the archer warrior who owned the uncovered artifacts. Examining such items will enrich our comprehension of the sacred rituals of the early Middle Ages.

archaeology , Bestamak , horse equipment , Middle Ages , military complex , ritual activity

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Kostanay Regional University, Kostanay, Kazakhstan
Margulan Institute of Archaeology, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Kostanay Regional University
Margulan Institute of Archaeology

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