The burial mound "Karabau-2," located 10 kilometers north of the village of Karabau in the Kyzylkogin district, has a diameter of 70 meters and a height of three meters.
As a result of archaeological work conducted in 2023-2024, nine burials were examined at the mound. It was determined that seven of them had not been looted.
During the study of the tombs, it was discovered that they were constructed in the 5th century BC. Various ornaments, items, weapons, and ceramic vessels, as well as human remains, were found within them.
According to archaeologists, there are collective graves among the burial sites where several individuals were interred. Based on the ornaments, crafted items, and weapons found in the yurts, specialists have termed them "royal yurts."
The results of the two-year archaeological work by the Atyrau Regional Museum of Local History were showcased at the exhibition "Gold of the Sarmatians."
“Until now, scholars considered our region to be the edge of the Sarmatian Empire. Judging by the results of our excavations, we can say that the Caspian lowlands, the Zhaiyk, and the area near the Zhem River are the center of a vast empire. The total number of artifacts discovered is around one thousand, with only 100 of them being gold ornaments and jewelry. These were created in an animalistic style. Images of predators that inhabited the region during that period (leopard, wild boar, tiger, saiga) can be seen on the items found. As part of this research work, two wooden bowls, previously unknown, have been preserved in good condition. They are currently undergoing restoration,” said the head of the archaeological group, Marat Kasenov.
A total of three yurts were excavated, each containing about 10-15 graves.
Archaeologists assert that the Sarmatians were buried together with household items, weapons, and tools they used due to their religious beliefs.
The burial mounds "Karakuduk-1" and "Karakuduk-2" are located 9.7 kilometers northwest of the village of Karabau. During the study, silver pictograms (drawings of saiga and wolves), jewelry, household items, and weapons made of iron and bronze were also discovered.
“Two test stones with a gold handle, never before encountered in the country, were found in the mound 'Karabau-2.' Previously, the Sarmatians used this stone to determine the authenticity and quality of gold. Currently, such stones are used by those who buy gold. Gold stickers for clothing were also discovered at the burial sites, weighing from two grams. The heaviest gold ornament is a bracelet depicting a mountain leopard on both sides, weighing approximately 370 grams,” said Galamat Bazarbayev, head of the archaeological research department at the Atyrau Regional Museum of Local History.
The excavations involved 20 workers and five museum staff members, with anthropologists from Astana and Almaty invited to participate. As a result of exploratory work in 2005, burial mounds near the village of Karabau were identified.
According to archaeologists, there are currently around 500 Sarmatian yurts in the Atyrau region.