Pages: 33-52 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.55086/sp2643352

In 1975, three complexes were investigated in a burial ground near the village of Leninokhabl, that can be attributed to cataphract burials. They contained iron chain-mail, helmets, and weapons. Iron bits with cheekpieces were found beside the horsescheekpieces. Rich burial no. 31 contained three horses. In addition to a rider armed with a sword, a second person was buried here. Among the grave goods were an iron candelabrum, a silver kantharos, a casket, and gold jewellery. The chronology of the complex is limited to the second half of the 2nd century AD. Burial no. 135 contained five horses without a person (a cenotaph), but with a helmet and a bent sword. Chain-mail was spread under the horses. Burial no. 142 was robbed in antiquity. Both burials are widely dated to the 2nd century AD. The materials from the complexes indicate close contacts between the local population of the Kuban region (Maeotians) and the Sarmatians.

Keywords: Kuban region, Maeotians, Sarmatians, burial ground, cataphract burials, chain-mail, helmet, horse harness, chronology

Information about authors:

Natalia Limberis (Krasnodar, Russian Federation). Kuban State University. Stavropolskaya St., 149, Krasnodar, 350040, Russian Federation
E-mail: [email protected]
ORCID: 0000-0003-0395-315X

Ivan Marchenko. Candidate of Historical Sciences.
ORCID: 0000-0001-7319-5214