Environmental context and adaptations of prehistoric and early historical occupation in the Southern Altai (SW Siberia–East Kazakhstan)

Abstract

The Altai Mountains are well-known for their unique archaeological records, with rich, chronologically sequenced Palaeolithic, Neolithic and the Bronze Age (late fourth-early first millennium BC) sites and, in particular, the Iron Age Scytho-Siberian and early historical monuments represented by burial sites, ritual structures, and rock-art. The Altai prehistoric archaeological localities are distributed across a broad range of topographic and ecological settings, encompassing altitudinal zones from 800 m asl in the lower reaches of glacial river valleys up to 2500/3000 m asl on the high mountain plateaus. The partial spatial overlap of these (often multi-component) geoarchaeological loci over time suggests that similar adaptive strategies were employed by countless generations of hunter and later nomadic communities-their actions constrained by the locally specific forms of (palaeo-)relief and the associated ecosystems. The dynamics of the initial occupation of the boreal and alpine Altai landscapes and subsequent processes of (re-)colonisation during the Final Pleistocene-Holocene transition are directly linked to transformations in the regional hydrological systems after the LGM. The principal settings for early pastoral settlements were the xerothermic grasslands that formed on the flat glacio-lacustrine terraces which rise above the modern fluvial floodplains-the remains of ice-dammed wastage lake basins drained at the end of the Pleistocene (15,000-13,000 year BP). Marked climatic changes, evidenced by regional variations in temperature and humidity across the territory, are well attested in the geological, biotic and archaeological records. The initial Sub-Boreal aridification correlated with the beginnings of the Altai Bronze Age traditions continued until the early Iron Age-causing an expansion of parkland-steppe in the main valleys and a forest retreat in the foothills. Mountain steppes constituted the most essential food-procurement habitat for the Holocene prehistoric and historical settlements of Southern Altai. The current degradation of insular alpine permafrost poses an imminent threat to preservation of the region's most precious archaeological monuments-the frozen burial mounds of the Pazyryk culture (sixth-third century BC) belonging to the UNESCO World cultural heritage.

Toponymy of the Ancient Sary-Arka (North-Eastern Kazakhstan)

“…This interpretation corresponds to the ancient Chinese name of Altai -Jinshan which also means Golden Mountain by referring to the area with abundance of gold (Kenesbayev et al 1971). Gold as the most precious metal has been mined in this area/since the prehistory (Eneolithic) and particularly during the following Iron Age as witnessed in the World-famous Scythian royal burials found in the local mountain permafrost grounds (Polosmak 2001, Samashev 2010, Chlachula 2018). An alternative explanation of the Altai name is linked with the old Mongolian language as a mountainous country of land rich mountains (Murzaev 1984).…”

“…The mountain regions of Central Asia are believed to facilitate spread of early agriculture since the Bronze Age (Motuzaite Matuzeviciute et al 2015). The most famous archaeological sites of the Sary-Arka and the adjacent Southern Altai are associated with the Iron-Age Scythian civilization with traces of settlement in the steppes, river valleys as well as on the alpine Altai plateaus with the Worldfamous burial mounds (kurgan) sealed in permafrost grounds (Bourgeois et al 2000, Polosmak 2001, Samashev 2001, Gorbunov et al 2005, Chlachula 2018.…”

“…Finally, examples of physiogeography peculiarities and specific geo-forms of the north-central and eastern Kazakhstan are presented in linkage with the regional historical toponymy. Apart of clarification of the place names' origin, study of the prehistoric and historical landscape change has relevance for mapping of the present geo-relief structures, for understanding of their perception by the former nomads as well as promotion of the modern geo-tourism in the Republic of Kazakhstan (Goessling et al 2005, Yegorina et al 2016, Geta et al 2015, Mazbaev 2016, Zhensikbaeva et al 2017, 2018.…”

Geo-Tourism Perspectives In East Kazakhstan

“…The major protected areas such as the Katon-Karagay Nature Park, being the major NP in Kazakhstan (643 477 ha), and the Lake Markakol Nature Reserve among others enhance the regional natural value. East Kazakhstan and the adjoining Gorno Altai (southern Siberia) are also known for the World-unique archaeological sites and historical monuments (Chlachula 2018). The combination of pristine nature and the traditional culture makes the country most appealing for local as well as foreign visitors (Saparov and zhensikbaeva 2016;zhensikbayeva et al 2017, 2018.…”

“…East Kazakhstan and the adjoining Gorno Altai (southern Siberia) are also known for the World-unique archaeological sites and historical monuments (Chlachula 2018). The combination of pristine nature and the traditional culture makes the country most appealing for local as well as foreign visitors (Saparov and zhensikbaeva 2016;zhensikbayeva et al 2017, 2018. This study presents an insight on the East Kazakhstan landscapes integrating distinctive physiogeographic features with rich cultural monuments, providing in unity a most promising geo-contextual milieu for the modern geo-tourism development by taking into account the regionally specific natural, historical, cultural and modern socio-economic aspects.…”