Tides of History Excavating a Scythian Royal Burial Mound: Interview with Dr. Gino Caspari
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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.
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Scythian Burial Mound Excavation
- Dr. Gino Caspari excavates a large burial mound in Tuva, Siberia.
- The mound dates back to the early Iron Age and shows early Scythian culture.
Unique Location of the Mound
- The Tuva site's location, isolated in a floodplain, is unique compared to other burial mounds.
- This isolation suggests a shift in the river's course over time.
Modern Pastoralists Inform Archaeological Interpretation
- Understanding modern nomadic pastoralists' land use helps archaeologists interpret ancient landscapes.
- Dr. Caspari uses this knowledge to identify potential seasonal campsites.
