Mongolian Biggest Archaeological Discoveries and Sites in Mongolia
The Biggest Archaeological Discoveries and Sites in Mongolia
1. Shoroon Bumbagar
In 2011, a joint Mongolian-Kazakhstani archaeological team discovered the tomb of an aristocrat from the ancient Uyghur nomadic tribe dating back to the late 6th to early 7th century AD. The tomb was located at Shoroon Bumbagar in Bayannuur Soum, Bulgan Province. Remarkably, the tomb had remained entirely untouched by looters, a rare occurrence for such ancient burial sites. The excavation revealed a sophisticated mausoleum complex comprising a gate, residential structures, ceremonial huts, a mausoleum, and a distinctive earthen mound covering the tomb. The tomb yielded approximately 500 artifacts, including around 170 gold items, over 100 pieces of pottery, numerous wooden carvings, metalwork, and exquisite bronze and silver objects. These findings significantly contribute to our understanding of the diplomatic and cultural exchanges of 7th-century nomadic societies.
2. Noyon Uul Burial Mound
The Noyon Uul burial mounds, located in Tuv Province, are among the most significant archaeological discoveries from Mongolia’s Xiongnu (Hunnu) period. In 1924-1925, a Mongolian-Tibetan expedition led by explorer P.K. Kozlov uncovered around 200 burial sites, excavating numerous precious artifacts, particularly from the famed Tomb 6. These items have since become essential resources for historians studying the ancient nomadic empire. Most artifacts recovered from the Noyon Uul excavations are now housed in the Hermitage Museum in Russia, while later findings by Mongolian archaeologists are showcased at the National Museum of Mongolian History in Ulaanbaatar.
3. Bilge Khan and General Kul Tegin Complex
The Bilge Khan and Kul Tegin memorial complex, dedicated to the renowned leader Kultegin of the Eastern Turkic Khaganate, is located in the Tsaidam Valley of Khashaat Soum, Arkhangai Province, approximately 60 kilometers north of Erdenezuu Monastery in Kharhorin. Known by various names including Khushuu Tsaidam, Orkhon Valley monuments, and Kultegin inscriptions, this site has been extensively studied for over a century. Mongolia has over 40 runic stelae, with about ten located within the Orkhon Valley, collectively known as the Orkhon Inscriptions. Kultegin, the second son of Elteress Khan, was instrumental in establishing Turkic dominance over Mongolian territories between the 6th and 8th centuries AD. The complex provides valuable insights into the political, cultural, and linguistic heritage of early Turkic civilizations.
