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“ARCHAEOLOGY RESEARCH OF XIONGNY”

The first semester lecture-seminar of the 13th academic year of the "Student Researcher" Scholarship Program was successfully held on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, from 18:00 to 20:30 at the AMT.

       As a guest lecturer, Dr. (Ph.D.), Associate Professor G. Eregzen, Director of the Institute of Archaeology at the Mongolian Academy of Sciences (MAS), gave a lecture on the topic “ARCHAEOLOGY RESEARCH OF XIONGNY”.  He advised young researchers to study the works of previous researchers carefully in order to become good scholars and emphasized the importance of research methodology, advising them to find a solid methodology for their work.The key points of the lecture were:

     The Huns controlled a vast territory spanning from the White Wall (Great Wall of China) to Lake Baikal, and from Manchuria to the Heavenly Mountains over several centuries. As a result, their remnants have been discovered and studied in areas across Mongolia, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and other countries. In Mongolia, over 12,000 Hunnic burial sites, 16 city ruins, production sites, and several sites with rock paintings have been discovered, and research is ongoing.Hunnic burial sites are classified into noble and common types. Noble burials have been identified in 13 locations, both within Mongolia's borders and beyond (such as Buryatia and Tuva). The most famous sites are Noyon Uul, Gol Mod-1, Gol Mod-2, and Durlig Nars. These sites have revealed between 300 to 500 tombs in one location. New discoveries have been made in Zavkhan, Bulgan, and Gobi-Altai provinces.

        Noble Hunnic burials have rectangular or square structures made of stone, with an entrance at the front. Common burials tend to be round with stone walls. The concept of noble burials was first investigated at the Noyon Uul site in 1924, and subsequent research at sites like Gol Mod-1, Gol Mod-2, Durlig Nars, and others confirmed that these burials belong to the noble families of the Hunnic Empire, particularly those of the Shanyu (Hunnic rulers).

       Near Hunnic noble burials, attendant burials are often found. These are believed to be the graves of soldiers, captives, or servants of the nobility. The construction of these burials often includes a tomb, a wooden structure, and a coffin, the latter being of high craftsmanship and decorated with woven patterns. The coffins are often adorned with gold and other precious materials, which indicates the high status of the deceased.

     In 2006, a unique find was made at Noyon Uul. A round silver ornament depicting male and female figures from Greek mythology was discovered alongside horse ornaments and other items. This suggests that the Huns had contact with the Romans.

    Archaeological discoveries related to the Huns are predominantly burial sites, but there are also some city ruins. Over 20 such sites have been discovered in Mongolia, Russia (Buryatia, Khakassia), China (Inner Mongolia), and other areas.

     The Huns, a nomadic people who rose to power in the 3rd century BC, are considered to have established the first "nomadic state" under the leadership of Modu Shanyu. The organizational structure of the Hunnic state, known as the "Ten System," was adopted by later nomadic peoples such as the Xiongnu, Jujan, Turks, and even the Mongol Empire established by Genghis Khan.The Huns controlled trade routes across Central Asia, including the Silk Road, linking Europe and Asia. They collected taxes from these trade routes, strengthening their economy and maintaining direct contact with both Eastern and Western civilizations.

       Chinese historical sources, which often depict the Huns as barbaric and focused on raiding, have contributed to a stereotypical image of the Huns as uncivilized. However, archaeological discoveries in various countries are challenging and revising this misconception.

     Recently, collaborative excavations from countries such as Russia, the United States, France, South Korea, Japan, Hungary, Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland have been studying Hunnic burial sites and other remnants, shedding light on the Hunnic civilization and challenging outdated views.These studies have led to the discovery of numerous artifacts, such as tools, clothing, weapons, and cultural items, which provide valuable insights into Hunnic society, economy, and interactions with other cultures.

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