An elite women's tomb excavated in Mongolia: the skeleton found inside baffled archaeologists. Photo

Recent archaeological excavations in Mongolia's Dornod province have uncovered an elite tomb built into the walls of an abandoned fortress. The tomb dates from the post-Kitan and pre-Mongol periods.

As part of a Mongolian-Israeli-American archaeological project, this discovery provides an intriguing glimpse into the social structure, trade networks, and funeral customs of that era. It also has the potential to completely change our understanding of the political and cultural changes that took place on the Mongolian steppe in the 12th and 13th centuries - scientists say this tomb appears to have been built after the fort was abandoned, meaning the space was reused during the political transition, writes Arkeo News.

Archaeologists found a well-preserved tomb inside the outer wall of the enclosure that dates between 1158 and 1214 AD. It was discovered at the site of the ancient fortified complex of Har Nuur, known as Cluster 27. The complex is located near the northeastern border of Mongolia, a strategically important area that was once a stronghold of the Kidan Empire and is well known for its extensive network of walls and fortifications.

The vast Kitan-Liao Empire (916-1125 AD) once ruled over much of what is now central and eastern Mongolia. After the fall of the Mongol Empire and the legendary Genghis Khan gained popularity in 1206 AD. The Mongolian-Israeli-American Archaeological Project has been researching and excavating along the border "long walls" of Kitana in northeastern Mongolia since 2018.

Analysis of the unearthed tomb shows that it predates the use of the fortress and offers valuable information about the networks and organization of local communities in the 12th century AD.

The skeleton of an adult woman, probably between 40 and 60 years old, dressed in a silk cloak and decorated with priceless objects, was found in a wooden coffin in the tomb. She probably belonged to the elite, as evidenced by the gold earrings, silver bowl, bronze vessel, gold bracelet, and coral and glass beads found in her grave, among other grave goods.

The small bronze cup with geometric figures and fine engraved lines is one of the most remarkable discoveries. It differs significantly from other medieval artifacts found in Mongolia, indicating that it may be the only object of its kind or have some connection with an unknown craft tradition. In addition, pieces of wooden objects covered with leather and set in bronze have also been found. Its purpose is unknown, but it may have been a quiver or bow and arrow case, common items buried among the male elite during the Mongol Empire.

An additional relic worthy of note is a silver bowl that originally measured approximately 17 centimeters in diameter but was broken into 26 pieces. The bowl, which has carved motifs and gilded bands, seems to have no direct analog, although similar objects have been found in tombs from the medieval Mongol era.

The fact that a member of the elite was buried at an abandoned frontier site means that the ancient fortifications were not only military strongholds, but also places that had lasting cultural and symbolic significance that persisted long after the fall of the empire. The combination of local elements with luxury items like gold and silver jewelry depicts a society in transition, shaped by the cultural influences of neighboring civilizations as well as its own nomadic traditions.

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