7 August 2025 The Future is the Product of the Past

2,700-Year-Old Rare Bronze Knives from the Early Saka Period Unearthed in Kazakhstan

In a remarkable archaeological breakthrough, researchers and students from Margulan University have unearthed two rare bronze knives dating back over 2,700 years, believed to originate from the early Saka period. The discovery was made in the Bayanaul district of Kazakhstan’s Pavlodar region, at the newly identified Toraygyr-7 burial site, located near the scenic Lake Toraygyr within Bayan-Aul National Park.

These finely crafted blades are believed to date back to the early Saka period, offering significant insight into the metallurgical skills and cultural practices of the ancient nomadic peoples who once roamed the Eurasian steppe.

Early Iron Age Craftsmanship from Local Bronze

According to Elena Tusheva, chief curator of Margulan University’s archaeological collection, the knives were cast using ancient metallurgical techniques from locally sourced bronze. “Stylistically, the blades reflect characteristics of the early Iron Age, revealing that the region had already developed advanced metalworking technologies and maintained stable cultural connections during that era,” Tusheva explained.

This discovery is considered one of the oldest bronze artifacts ever found in the Pavlodar region, and it contributes to the growing understanding of technological evolution on the Kazakh steppe.

2,700-Year-Old Unique Bronze Blades and Burial Sites Uncovered in Kazakhstan’s Bayanaul Region. Credit: Margulan University
2,700-Year-Old Unique Bronze Blades and Burial Sites Uncovered in Kazakhstan’s Bayanaul Region. Credit: Margulan University

Burial Grounds of the Tasmola Culture

The site yielded more than just artifacts. Excavations also revealed human remains from the Tasmola culture — a prominent nomadic civilization of Central Kazakhstan, flourishing between the 7th and 3rd centuries BCE. The Tasmola people are best known for their “mustached kurgans”—distinctive burial mounds featuring stone outliers and celestial alignments.

Angelina Grishchenko, a student involved in the dig, noted that the skeletal remains were well preserved, allowing researchers to determine sex, age, and anthropological traits. In a deeper layer, archaeologists uncovered an even older Andronovo culture burial, indicating cultural continuity between Bronze Age and Iron Age populations.

Who Were the Saka and Tasmola Peoples?

The Saka were an Iranian-speaking nomadic group who dominated parts of Central Asia during the early Iron Age, around the 8th to 3rd centuries BCE. Known for their warrior aristocracy, horsemanship, and elaborate burials, the Saka played a crucial role in shaping the region’s culture and trade. Kazakhstan’s famed “Golden Man,” adorned in thousands of gold pieces, is attributed to this powerful group.

The Tasmola culture, often linked to early Saka groups, is unique to Kazakhstan and is characterized by its complex funerary architecture, stone stelae, and astronomical knowledge embedded in burial layouts. Discoveries like those at Toraygyr-7 help bridge gaps in our understanding of how early nomadic cultures interacted, evolved, and preserved tradition over centuries.

2,700-Year-Old Unique Bronze Blades from the Early Saka Period Unearthed in Kazakhstan. Credit: Margulan University
2,700-Year-Old Unique Bronze Blades from the Early Saka Period Unearthed in Kazakhstan. Credit: Margulan University

Preserving Kazakhstan’s Archaeological Heritage

Margulan University has conducted archaeological research in the Bayanaul region for over a decade, continuing the legacy of scholars such as Alkey Margulan and M. Kadyrbayev. Their work supports the preservation of Kazakhstan’s most important archaeological sites and contributes to a deeper appreciation of the country’s Iron Age history.

The recent findings of bronze knives and Tasmola burials not only enrich Kazakhstan’s historical narrative but also highlight its potential as a hub for archaeological discovery, scientific exploration, and cultural tourism.

Margulan University

Cover Image Credit: Margulan University

Related Articles

The ashes of 8,000 victims were found in two mass graves near the Soldau concentration camp in Poland

14 July 2022

14 July 2022

Polish authorities said they had unearthed two mass graves near the former Nazi concentration camp Soldau containing the ashes of...

3,500-year-old perfectly preserved ancient frozen bear found in Siberian

28 February 2023

28 February 2023

As the permafrost on Bolshoy Lyakhovsky Island in eastern Siberia melted, a mummified brown bear that lived more than three...

Restoration Complete: Athena Temple in Side Reopens to the Public

24 March 2025

24 March 2025

The Athena Temple, once overshadowed by the more prominent Temple of Apollo, has emerged as a significant historical and cultural...

Ancient Ruins of an Ancient Capital Found in Beijing

15 March 2021

15 March 2021

After two years of excavation, Chinese archaeologists recently exposed Zhongdu, the capital city of the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234) next to...

3700 years old Brain and skin remnants discovered at Bronze Age settlement in western Türkiye

5 September 2023

5 September 2023

Archaeologists discovered, well-preserved brain and skin remnants of two individuals dating to the Bronze Age during excavations at Tavşanlı Höyük...

700-Year-Old Lord Vishnu’s Sculpture Washes Ashore on Pedda Rushikonda Beach

23 March 2025

23 March 2025

On a serene Friday evening, the tranquil shores of Pedda Rushikonda beach were disrupted by an extraordinary sight: a centuries-old...

Outstanding Bronze Age artifacts discovered in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France

23 August 2021

23 August 2021

Hundreds of bronze objects have been discovered buried in pottery in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. The research team, led...

Polish archaeologists discover papyruses containing a list of Roman centurions at Berenike

23 May 2024

23 May 2024

Papyruses with lists of Roman centurions stationed in Egypt were found by Polish archaeologists in Berenike. These unique documents were...

The Splendor of the Seven Descending Gods of Tulum Resurfaced

11 February 2024

11 February 2024

The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) says the splendor of the seven Descending Gods of Tulum has resurfaced....

Stone Age Loved to Dance to the Rhythm of the Elk Tooth Rattles

4 June 2021

4 June 2021

Thousands of years ago, people danced frequently and to the rhythm. This is the conclusion of the discovery of elk...

Stunning Roman-looking sandal found deep in the snow in the Norwegian mountains

16 April 2022

16 April 2022

Global warming is leading to the retreat of mountain glaciers. Incredibly well preserved and rare artifacts have emerged from melting...

A painted Wooden Saddle Discovered in an Ancient Tomb in Mongolia Represents Earliest Evidence of Modern Horse Riding

13 December 2023

13 December 2023

Researchers unearthed a wooden saddle framed with iron stirrups in a tomb in Urd Ulaan Uneet, popularly known as the...

Polish archaeologists have uncovered nine crocodile heads within ancient Egyptian tombs of nobles

25 December 2022

25 December 2022

Polish archaeologists excavating the Theban Necropolis in Egypt discovered nine crocodile heads hidden inside two tombs belonging to high-ranking nobles....

5,000 years old Mother Goddess statuette unearthed in Yeşilova Mound

25 October 2023

25 October 2023

A Mother Goddess statuette, determined to be 5 thousand years old, was found during the excavations carried out in the...

Exciting Discovery of oldest English coin in Canada

16 November 2022

16 November 2022

A gold coin found on the south coast of Newfoundland, Canada’s easternmost province, may be the oldest known English coin...