Begash

Begash is a Bronze Age archaeological site (c. 3000–1500 BC) in the Koksu River valley of historic Zhetysu, southeastern Kazakhstan. Located in piedmont steppes above the Zhalgyzagash River, it was occupied by transhumant pastoralists who mainly herded sheep and goats and likely used the site for winter residence [1]. The earliest direct evidence for domesticated grains in Central Asia was found here, including both domesticated free-threshing wheat and broomcorn millet [1]. Burial practices transitioned from cist graves to kurgan burials over time [1]. Excavations by Dr. Alexei Mar'yashev revealed this prehistoric settlement complex in the Dzhungar Mountains of Semirech'ye [2].