Pazyryk culture

The Pazyryk culture (ca. 5th century BC) refers to an archaeological culture identified by excavated artifacts and mummified humans found in the Siberian permafrost in the Altay Mountains. The mummies are buried in long barrows (or "kurgans") similar to the tomb mounds of western Scythian culture in modern Ukraine. Archaeologists associate the sites with the Pazyryk of the steppe, an ancient people of the region near the Ukok Plateau in the Altay Mountains, where the first remains were found. Many artifacts have been found at this location, including the Ice Princess, indicating a flourishing culture at this location that benefited from the many trade routes and caravans of merchants passing through the area.

Some of the vessels excavated from the tombs are similar to ones still in use today by indigenous groups.

See also

• Pazyryk people

Notes