Altynkazgan Archaeological Site
Altynkazgan was discovered in 2010 by amateur archaeologist Fanis Akhmadulin. With the help of a metal detector, he found a silver saddle and harness and handed them over to archaeologist Andrey Astafiev. The excavations began in 2014 and went on for several years.
During the preliminary research, archaeologists found five burial mounds and more than 198 sites bearing evidence of human activity. The mounds were looted in the past, however, archaeologists still unearthed many artifacts such as bronze arrowheads, belt buckles, bells, Parthian coins, and pottery. Some items are made from silver foil laid on a copper base. Some jewelry is inlaid with amber and glass. Scientists assumed that these items were left as sacrificial gifts.
Researchers were able to date the artifacts back to the 1st-6th centuries BC. The finds are displayed in the Mangystau Regional Museum of Local History.
How to get there?
Altynkazgan archaeological site is located in the eponymous valley between the Northern Aktau and Western Karatau Mountains. The Altynkazgan Valley lies to the north of the Torysh Valley. The distance from Aktau is about 110-120 km (68-75 mi).
Other tourist attractions near the Altynkazgan Archaeological Site:
• Torysh – the Valley of Globular Stones
• Otpan Tau Historical and Cultural Complex
• Samal Gorge
• Akmysh Grove
• Ancient City of Kyzylkala
• Mount Sherkala
• Airakty-Shomanay Mountains
• Temir Abdal Underground Mosque