Kazakhstan's Valley of Kings
The Ancients16 Nov 2023

Kazakhstan's Valley of Kings

Gold and horses! Few ancient civilisations were greater masters of metalworking and horse riding than the Saka culture of Central Asia. Also known as the ‘Eastern Scythians’, these peoples ruled over a large area of the Great Steppe more than 2,000 years ago. And recently, new archaeological initiatives in Kazakhstan have started to reveal so much more about these horse lords and their way of life. Great burial mounds have been excavated, revealing a wealth of extraordinary artefacts. From golden sword scabbards to richly-decorated horse gear, it’s fascinating evidence of the long-lasting and rich history that Kazakhstan possesses.


In this very special episode, join Tristan on his venture to Kazakhstan. He visits the remote Altai Mountains in the far east of the country to see an incredibly rich group of Saka tombs, popularly known as Kazakhstan’s Valley of Kings. He interviews Kazakh archaeologist Zhanat Erlanova about the amazing archaeology that has so far been unearthed in this highland valley and what it has revealed about these ancient horse lords of Central Asia.


Following this we return to the UK and Cambridge University, where Drs Rebecca Roberts, Saltanat Amir and Rinat Zhumatayev explain the wider Saka culture, and why the archaeology of Kazakhstan deserves to be much better known.


This episode was edited by Aidan Lonergan


Discover the past with exclusive history documentaries and ad-free podcasts presented by world-renowned historians from History Hit. Watch them on your smart TV or on the go with your mobile device. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code ANCIENTS sign up now for your 14-day free trial HERE.


You can take part in our listener survey here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episoder(594)

The Other Alexander

The Other Alexander

Alexander, an Ancient Greek king and a victorious conqueror. No, not that one, not Alexander the Great. This time, we’re talking about his uncle, Alexander I of Molossia. In 334BC, when Alexander the ...

8 Nov 202038min

Philip and Alexander: Kings and Conquerors

Philip and Alexander: Kings and Conquerors

Alexander the Great. One of the most recognisable names in history. In his short lifetime he conquered the mighty Persian Empire and marched his army as far as the Indus River Valley. But it is import...

5 Nov 202057min

Catullus: Rome's Most Erotic Poet

Catullus: Rome's Most Erotic Poet

If you're looking for a raunchy Roman poet, look no further than Catullus. Born into one of the most exciting periods in Roman history, in the early 1st century BC as the Roman Republic started to sin...

1 Nov 202049min

Ancient Ethiopia: The Kingdom of Aksum

Ancient Ethiopia: The Kingdom of Aksum

At its height the Kingdom of Aksum was considered one of the four great powers of the Ancient World. Situated primarily in what is now northern Ethiopia, Aksum’s legacy is astonishing and far reaching...

29 Okt 202051min

The Origins of Ancient Vietnam

The Origins of Ancient Vietnam

It is one of the most extraordinary ancient archaeological sites in Southeast Asia, albeit one that is relatively unheard of outside of Vietnam. Cổ Loa. A defensive stronghold that during its golden a...

25 Okt 202051min

The Battle of Philippi: Death of the Roman Republic

The Battle of Philippi: Death of the Roman Republic

In October 42 BC the Roman Republic committed suicide. Near the town of Philippi in northern Greece the forces of Brutus and Cassius, the famous assassins of Julius Caesar and the last surviving cheer...

22 Okt 202049min

Sophocles' Lost Plays

Sophocles' Lost Plays

The Big Three. In antiquity it could mean a whole host of different things, the triumvirate of Caesar, Pompey and Crassus for instance. But for many, ‘The Big Three’ means the three great tragedians o...

18 Okt 202053min

69 AD: Rise of Vespasian

69 AD: Rise of Vespasian

69 AD was a tumultuous year in Roman history. 4 Romans assumed the title of emperor; only one remained standing by the year’s end. His name was Vespasian, veteran of Claudius’ invasion of Britain and ...

15 Okt 202051min

Populært innen Historie

rss-dette-ma-aldri-skje-igjen
historier-som-endret-norge
rss-benadet
henrettelsespodden
rss-nadelose-nordmenn-gestapo
historier-som-endret-verden
aftenposten-historie
rss-historiske-romanser
sektledere
rss-gamle-greier
historiepodden
rss-frontkjemperne
sannhet-eller-konspirasjon
historiepodden-ww2
rss-historiepodden-ww2
rss-strid-de-norske-borgerkrigene
med-egne-oyne
undersattene
vare-historier
taakeprat