Pazyryk burials

The Pazyryk burials, located in the Altai Mountains of Siberia, represent a significant archaeological site from the Iron Age. These burials, dating primarily to the 4th century BCE, consist of kurgans—large burial mounds containing wooden chamber tombs covered with cairns. The site is notable for the preservation of organic materials, including textiles, wooden artifacts, and the world's oldest known pile carpet. The Pazyryk culture, associated with these tombs, was characterized by horse-riding pastoral nomads with extensive trade links across Asia. The burials provide insights into Scythian art and culture, featuring animal motifs and Greco-Roman influenced artifacts. Noteworthy finds include the elaborately tattooed remains of individuals and the renowned Ice Maiden, whose burial was preserved in permafrost.