Chronological studies of the Arzhan-2 Scythian monument in Tuva (Russia)

Abstract

The first radiocarbon dates from the unique early Scythian monument Arzhan-2, discovered in 2001, are presented. The monument contained a royal burial (grave nr 5). Unfortunately, precise dating is hampered by the Hallstatt plateau in the calibration curve. However, using both accelerator mass spectrometry measurements from buried materials and conventional dates for floating tree rings from the burial chamber, we were able to date the construction of the monument to the 7th century BC. This is consistent with archaeological expectations. Other graves located inside the barrow were also dated. Grave nr 11, located on the edge of the barrow, is younger, showing that the monument was a place of burial ritual for many years for this ancient population.