Archaeologists have discovered evidence of medieval iron production in Kazakhstan that has been dated to the period of the Golden Horde.
The discovery was made in the Bayanaul district of Pavlodar Region, where researchers are investigating medieval nomadic settlements in north-eastern Saryarka.
According to researchers from the Alkey Margulan Joint Archaeological Research Centre, archaeological studies of the region have traditionally focused on burial and memorial complexes, leaving the settlements and everyday economic activities of nomadic communities comparatively understudied.
The latest research identified iron slag containing preserved charcoal, providing evidence for metal production at the site.
Scientists subjected the charcoal to radiocarbon dating, with laboratory analysis conducted in Japan confirming a medieval date associated with the Golden Horde period.
“To fully understand life in steppe society during the Golden Horde era, studying the history of rulers and urban centres is not enough,” said Ilya Merts, senior researcher at the Alkey Margulan Joint Archaeological Research Centre.
“The daily lives of nomadic communities, the production of tools, the use of raw materials and the ways people met their everyday needs are equally important aspects of historical research.”
Iron slag is a waste product generated during metal production and can preserve important evidence about historical metallurgical processes.
Analysis of its chemical composition and archaeological context can potentially identify the raw materials used and help researchers reconstruct the techniques employed to produce iron.
The Bayanaul discovery therefore provides evidence for productive activities taking place within medieval steppe communities, complementing archaeological research traditionally centred on elite burials, political history and urban settlements.
According to Merts, the discovery of ironworking evidence at nomadic settlements is particularly important for understanding how communities obtained materials, manufactured tools and organised everyday economic activities.
Researchers are now continuing their analysis of the metallurgical remains to better understand the techniques used in medieval iron production.
Further study could provide new insights into resource exploitation and metalworking traditions in north-eastern Saryarka during the Golden Horde period.
Sources : Toraighyrov University