Pre-Mongolian elite grave found in an abandoned fortress

In 2022, the Joint Mongolian-Israeli-American Archaeological Project made a remarkable discovery while exploring an abandoned frontier fortress. They uncovered a high-status burial hidden within the fortress walls, dating back to the era between the fall of the Kitan-Liao Empire and the rise of the Mongol Empire. These findings were recently reported in Archaeological Research in Asia.

The Kitan-Liao Empire, which controlled extensive regions of central and eastern Mongolia from 916 to 1125 CE, collapsed before the emergence of Chinggis Khan and the Mongol Empire in 1206 CE. The time between these empires is still poorly documented due to sparse historical and archaeological records.

Professor Shelach-Lavi, who is part of the excavation team, points out two main reasons for this lack of understanding: Mongolia's vast size and the limited amount of archaeological work done in the area where the grave was found, combined with the relatively obscure nature of the period between the Liao dynasty’s fall and the Mongol rise. During this time, Mongolia lacked central authority and monumental investments.

The fortress, called Khar Nuur, was one component of a vast network of fortifications stretching over 4,000 km. The grave, discovered by chance, contained a wooden coffin with a range of artifacts and the remains of a woman. This is one of only 25 known burials from this period in Mongolia.

According to Professor Shelach-Lavi, the rarity of such graves might be due to their unmarked status and the brief period of less than a century. The woman was interred between 1158 and 1214 CE and was dressed in a yellow silk robe with a traditional bogtag malgai headdress. Her grave included valuable items such as gold earrings, a silver cup, a bronze vessel, and coral and glass beads.

The exact significance of these items in the afterlife remains unclear. While Shamanism and the belief in Tengri were practiced in Mongolia, their connection to the specific grave goods is not well understood. Many artifacts, including silk from China and wood from distant sources, indicate a broad network of trade.

This grave stands out due to its wealth and variety of artifacts, suggesting a complex system of connections. It bears similarities to other elite burials found about 500 km southwest in Tavan Tolgoi, implying the Khar Nuur woman was likely of significant status and had access to considerable resources.

The reason for her burial within the fortress walls remains a mystery. It could reflect the fortress’s symbolic value or a strategic move to reinforce control over the region. Further research may provide additional insights into these questions.

Ongoing investigations in Northeast Mongolia continue to focus on medieval fortifications and walls. The team is also set to explore a newly discovered graveyard to gain further knowledge about the people and artifacts from this era. Comparisons with similar artifacts may deepen the understanding of this historical period.