Rare Intact 2,500‑Year‑Old Saka Burial Reveals Bronze Akinak and Well‑Preserved Warrior Skeleton

Rare Intact 2,500‑Year‑Old Saka Burial Found in Aktogay, Kazakhstan

Archaeologists excavating a burial mound in Kazakhstan's Aktogay district have uncovered a largely undisturbed, roughly 2,500‑year‑old grave containing the skeleton of a Saka warrior still clutching a bronze akinak (short sword). The burial has been dated to the 7th–6th centuries B.C. and is particularly notable because many comparable graves in the region were previously looted.

"After removing the covering slabs, we saw a skeleton in correct anatomical order. In his right hand was an akinak," said lead archaeologist Dauren Zhusupov, noting that finds like this have not been encountered in many years.

Experts who spoke to Heritage Daily describe the akinak as decorated with motifs of argali (wild sheep) horns and birds of prey. Archaeologist Arman Beissenov said the style of decoration has not previously been recorded elsewhere in Kazakhstan and reflects a high level of metallurgy and artistic sensibility in the Saka period. The decorative elements likely carried symbolic meaning: birds of prey evoked power and vision for steppe nomads, while argali horn motifs signified strength and the untamed spirit of the steppes.

The sword and associated finds have been transferred to specialists at the Karaganda Regional Museum for metallographic, radiocarbon, and anthropological analyses. Results are expected next winter and should provide clearer insight into Saka funerary rites, material culture, and chronology.

Background: The Saka were nomadic people who occupied the Eurasian steppe from the mid‑9th to the early‑5th centuries B.C. They are closely related to the Scythians, but many aspects of their culture remain poorly understood; well‑preserved burials such as this one can significantly deepen our knowledge.

Originally reported by Qazinform News Agency and later covered by Men's Journal.