Issyk Kurgan

The Issyk kurgan, in south-eastern Kazakhstan, less than 20 km east from the Talgar alluvial fan, near Issyk, is a burial mound discovered in 1969 [1]. A notable item is a silver cup bearing an inscription, known as the Issyk inscription [1]. The burial complex is located on the left bank of the Issyk Mountain River, 50 kilometers to the east of the city of Almaty [1]. The burial ground consists of 45 large royal mounds with a diameter of 30 to 90 and a height of 4–15 meters [1]. The Issyk barrow is located in the western half of the burial ground [1]. Situated in eastern Scythia just north of Sogdiana, the kurgan contained a skeleton, warrior's equipment, and assorted funerary goods, including 4,000 gold ornaments [1].