The Valley of the Kings in the Tuva Republic of southern Siberia has long been shrouded in myth and intrigue. This remote and rugged region, located on the edge of the world, has captured the imagination of archaeologists and historians for centuries. Recent excavations by a team from Stockholm University have shed new light on the valley, uncovering the final resting place of a nomadic queen and her child, offering valuable insights into the ancient Scythian culture.
The Valley of the Kings holds a unique place in the prehistory of the Great Steppe and central Asia. For millennia, Scythian pastoral groups dominated the vast Asiatic steppe, exerting their influence on the European continent on numerous occasions. These nomadic warriors and rulers left behind a rich cultural legacy, and the Tuva region, in particular, is deeply intertwined with their history.
The heart of the Tuva region, the Aldy-Bel culture, played a pivotal role in the demographic expansion and historical development of the Scythians in Asia. This region served as the final resting place for countless nomadic warlords and kings, many of whom were buried with astonishing wealth and prestige.
One of the most remarkable discoveries in recent years occurred at the Chinge Tey site, a large barrow dating back to the 7th/6th century BC. Archaeologists from Jagiellonian University in Poland uncovered the burial of a 50-year-old woman and a 2-3 year-old child. The woman was adorned with a golden pectoral and a large moon-shaped necklace, symbols of power in the world of Asian pastoral communities. The bodies were carefully placed in a wooden chamber and surrounded by valuable artifacts, confirming their exceptional wealth and high social status.
What makes this discovery particularly intriguing is that similar necklaces had been found almost exclusively in men's graves in southern Siberia, signifying belonging to the social elite and a warrior caste. This unique finding challenges our understanding of the role of females in the distribution of power within pastoral societies and underscores the significance of this older woman in the social structure.
Inside the burial chamber in Chinge Tey. Golden earrings of the old female in situ, a close up. Photo credit: Łukasz Oleszczak
Archaeologist Łukasz Oleszczak from the Institute of Archaeology at Jagiellonian University expressed his excitement over this discovery. He noted that this finding "sheds new light upon the participation of females in the distribution of power in pastoral societies." It highlights the importance of this woman in the social structure of power during her time.
The excavation of the Chinge Tey site not only revealed the tomb of the nomadic queen but also provided an opportunity to test novel approaches to bioarchaeology. Researchers focused on chronology and the dietary habits of the nomadic aristocracy buried in the Chinge Tey barrows within the broader context of isotopic cycling in the arid and semi-arid environments of central Asia. The challenging work was made successful through the support of organizations like the Lars Hierta Memorial Foundation and the Längmanska kulturfonden.
Dalia Pokutta, a bioarchaeologist from the Archaeological Research Laboratory at Stockholm University, expressed her excitement about the opportunity to explore the life and death of Scythian kings and queens who lived some 2,800 years ago. This ongoing research project aims to unravel the mysteries of the Scythian culture, known for their diverse skills as artists, warriors, traders, and pastoralists.
Anders Götherström, a professor of molecular archaeology at the Archaeological Research Laboratory in Stockholm, is also involved in the project. He emphasized the importance of understanding the structure of pastoral dynasties in a single place and time, using the Valley of the Kings as a unique window into the social landscape of ancient Scythia. The next phase of the research will delve into the genetics of these early royal lineages, providing further insights into the history of these enigmatic nomadic rulers.
The discoveries made in the Valley of the Kings continue to reshape our understanding of the Scythian culture and the role of women in ancient nomadic societies. As archaeologists unearth more secrets from this remote and rugged region, we can look forward to a deeper understanding of the past and the legacy left behind by the Scythian nomads.
