Mysteria
Verified47.3269° N · 34.3392° E · 45 m

Solokha Scythian Royal Kurgan (Great Zaporizhzhia Mound)

Solokha Barrow · Velyka Znamianka Royal Scythian Tomb

Early Iron Age (Scythian Classic Royal)·Royal Scythian (Pontic Scythia)·🇺🇦 Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Kamianka-Dniprovska Raion, Velyka Znamianka south, Ukraine

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About

About Solokha Scythian Royal Kurgan (Great Zaporizhzhia Mound)

3392 12 km southeast of Bol'shaia Znamenka, Vasil'evka Raion) excavated by Veselovski 1912-13 under 18 m high mound (4th-mill. BCE–first half 2nd mill. list but actual early 4th c BCE late 5th–early 4th per Encyclopedia). Contained two vaults: looted central (late antiquity) with female ruler + 2 horses in rich attire, and intact side vault with male Scythian king + servant + 5 horses. Gold: famous Solokha gold comb (scythians fighting), 80+ gold garment plaques.

Part of Middle Dnieper late Royal series with Alexandropol, Chertomlyk, Ordzhonikidze placed in small geography. Kakhovka Reservoir banks nearby. National monument 080010-N.

Why it mattersMost magnificent Royal Scythian barrow with intact gold comb, type site for 4th c BC pontic chronology.

Open questions

Mysteries & theories

Mysteries

  1. 01Dual royalty relationship

Theories

  1. 01Dnieper royal cemetery cluster

Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.

History

How it came to be

Built
c.400-375 BCE (Late 5th–early 4th Scythian Royal)
Period
Early Iron Age (Scythian Classic Royal)
Culture
Royal Scythian (Pontic Scythia)
Builders
Dnieper Royal Scythians
Purpose
Dual royal burial mound (king + queen) with horse sacrifice
Rediscovered
1912-13 Veselovski campaign
Excavation
Excavated

  1. 1912

    Veselovski uncovers intact side vault with gold comb

  2. 1913

    Central looted vault with female ruler recorded

On the ground

Structures & features

47.3269° N · 34.3392° E · 45 m · 2 mapped features

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