Hun excavations in Mongolia reveal well-preserved female skeleton

Archaeological excavations in Eastern Mongolia have uncovered a well-preserved female skeleton and various artifacts dating back to the Hun period (2nd century BCE to 2nd century CE). The findings were part of the “Horse Culture-2026” project, a collaborative effort between Istanbul University’s Mongolian Research Center, Istanbul Aydın University, and the Mongolian State University Institute of Nomadic Civilizations.

Supported by TİKA, the research took place in the Bulgan Uul and Yazaar Uul mountains of Khentii Province. In the Bulgan Uul site, researchers discovered chariot parts, painted coffin remains, bronze and ceramic vessels, and a female skeleton that has maintained significant anatomical integrity. The scale and contents of this burial suggest the individual may have belonged to the Hun elite.

Excavations at Yazaar Uul provided insights into diverse burial rituals of the era. Notable finds include an offering cauldron with unique characteristics and evidence of secondary burials, such as a skull belonging to a second individual found alongside a primary burial. These discoveries aim to provide deeper anthropological understanding of the physical activities and social structures of Hun nomadic societies.