Altyndepe is an archaeological site located in Turkmenistan, Central Asia. It is known for its ancient settlement and cemetery, which dates back to the Bronze Age and the Iron Age. The site was first discovered in 1948 by a Soviet archaeologist named Viktor Sarianidi, and excavations have been ongoing since then.
The settlement at Altyndepe is believed to have been inhabited from around 3000 BCE to 200 BCE, during the period of the Oxus civilization. The site contains the remains of several large buildings, including a fortified citadel, a temple complex, and a palace. The buildings are constructed from mud bricks and are decorated with colorful murals and carvings.
The cemetery at Altyndepe contains hundreds of tombs, many of which are richly decorated with gold, silver, and bronze objects. These objects include jewelry, weapons, and household items, and are thought to have been placed in the tombs as offerings to the deceased.
The artifacts found at Altyndepe provide important insights into the culture and society of the Oxus civilization. They suggest that the people of this civilization were skilled craftsmen and traders, and that they had a sophisticated system of social hierarchy and religious beliefs.
Overall, Altyndepe is an important archaeological site that has contributed significantly to our understanding of the ancient history and culture of Central Asia.
