Recent archaeological excavations in Mongolia's Dornod province have uncovered an elite tomb built into the walls of an abandoned fortress. The tomb dates from the post-Kitan and pre-Mongol periods. As part of a Mongolian-Israeli-American archaeological project, this discovery provides an intriguing glimpse into the social structure, trade networks, and funeral customs of that era.
It also has the potential to completely change our understanding of the political and cultural changes that took place on the Mongolian steppe in the 12th and 13th centuries - scientists say this tomb appears to have been built after the fort was abandoned, meaning the space was reused during the political transition, writes Arkeo News. Archaeologists found a well-preserved tomb inside the outer wall of the enclosure that dates between 1158 and 1214 AD. It was discovered at the site of the ancient fortified complex of Har Nuur, known as Cluster 27.
The complex is located near the northeastern border of Mongolia, a strategically important area that was once a stronghold of the Kidan Empire and is well known for its extensive network of walls and fortifications. The vast Kitan-Liao Empire (916-1125 AD) once ruled over much of what is now central and eastern Mongolia. After the fall of the Mongol Empire and the legendary Genghis Khan gained popularity in 1206 AD.
The Mongolian-Israeli-American Archaeological Project has been researching and excavating along the border "long walls" of Kitana in northea.