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Tides of History

Excavating a Scythian Royal Burial Mound: Interview with Dr. Gino Caspari

Jan 9, 2025
Dr. Gino Caspari is an expert archaeologist specializing in Scythian studies and the CEO of GeoInsight. In this conversation, he shares fascinating insights from his latest excavation of a Scythian royal burial mound in Siberia. Topics include the ritualistic horse sacrifices and their implications for understanding state formation. Caspari also discusses the challenges of digging in remote areas and highlights the complexities of burial customs that shed light on societal hierarchies and the significance of horses in Scythian culture.
38:46

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Dr. Gino Caspari's excavation of an early Scythian royal burial mound in Siberia revealed complex societal structures and significant cultural rituals.
  • The discovery of horse sacrifices and human remains around the mound underscores the Scythians' beliefs regarding authority, power, and the afterlife.

Deep dives

Unveiling the Scythians

The Scythians, often overlooked in discussions of the Iron Age, played a crucial role in the period's development. Recent archaeological research has dramatically enhanced our understanding of their societies, revealing them as sophisticated cultures with powerful kingdoms, moving beyond the simplistic stereotypes previously held. Dr. Gino Kaspari's recent excavations at a royal tomb in Tuva provide significant insights into their material culture and societal structures during the early Iron Age. This new knowledge has challenged long-held assumptions and highlighted the richness of Scythian history.

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