A mysterious mound with gold and mirrors was found in a country neighboring Russia.

The discovered jewelry will tell more about the history of the unknown ancient state

Archaeologists in Kazakhstan discovered gold jewelry, arrowheads and a large bronze mirror in three mounds at the Tolebaytobe cemetery in the Turkestan region.

Some time ago, on the territory of modern Kazakhstan, several looters discovered old graves. However, they were unaware of the existence of a third grave nearby. Now archaeologists have carried out excavations and discovered many objects in the forgotten mound.

Along with the remains of a woman of high social standing, researchers found a Roman-style brooch, a bronze mirror from China, and a pair of gold earrings inlaid with turquoise and rubies. Bird hunting arrowheads were found in the tomb.

The artifacts are believed to have been created during the reign of the Gangju State, a little-known political entity that ruled the area between the fifth and fourth centuries BC.

According to the statement, the finds demonstrate the high skill of local artisans during the period when the state of Gangju traded with ancient Rome, ancient China and the Kushan Empire to the south.

Interestingly, archaeologists also discovered a round bronze mirror that was made in China during the Han Dynasty, which ruled from 206 BC to 220 AD.

According to archaeologists, such objects were highly valued throughout Eurasia (similar mirrors were discovered in Afghanistan and the Southern Urals). A representative of the South Kazakhstan Pedagogical University named after Uzbekali Zhanibekov noted that the objects found in the grave suggest that the woman buried there likely belonged to the elite of society.

Between the fifth and fourth centuries BC in this region ruled by a mysterious ancient power known as the state of Gangju, and, apparently, it was during this time that the woman lived.

“Looking at the artifacts found, one can understand that the Gangju state was in contact with strong and powerful empires,” says a university representative. “Rome, Byzantium, Kushans and China had equal diplomatic relations with the state of Kangju.”

The country was located along the Great Silk Road. Thus, it was advantageously located for trade between East and West.

The leader of the expedition, archaeologist Alexander Podushkin, said that the state of Kangju was a federation of various peoples, including, at times, nomadic groups of Sarmatians, Xiongnu and Sakas.

The earrings found are particularly exquisite. They are made of a colorful alloy known as «polychromatic» gold, inlaid with turquoise and rubies, in the shape of a crescent moon, symbolizing the moon, with grape-shaped bottom decorations that were created to reflect sunlight.

According to this Because of this, the discovery of this old tomb and the abundance of grave goods it contained provide a fascinating insight into a little-known civilization and one of its elites. Living in Gangju offered exposure to many ancient cultures to those who could afford it, such as the woman buried in the mound.