[Picture from Archaeology News Network (Credit: Oleg Belyalov-east2west news])
Some of these artifacts show close resemblance to the
treasures recovered from Tillya Tepe in nearby Afghanistan
which travelled around the world since the destruction of the Kabul Museum (see: Bactrian Gold, the Hidden Treasures from the Museum of Kabul).
This time, however, the treasure trove
seems to belong to the Saka people – a branch of the Scythians - who lived in Central Asia around the 8th century BC. The
highly skilled gold beads meant to be sewn on clothes as well as gold plates
with rivets, chains, earrings and a necklace inlaid with precious stones testify
of exceptional craftsmanship. Because of the finesse of the 3,000 golden
artifacts, the find is believed to belong to royalty or some prestigious
people, probably a couple.
The tumulus site was not found entirely
unlooted and it seems that even in the days of Peter the Great part of the
treasure has been removed. Excavations started two years ago but the grave of
the wealthy man and woman has not yet been opened. Let’s hope no illegal
treasure hunters will destroy this tomb so that professional archaeologists can
complete the meticulous job they started.
The area on the Eleke Sazy Plateau counts
some 200 tumuli most of which were robbed over the centuries. Gold always had
and still has a magic attraction.
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