Pages: 293-313 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.55086/sp263293313

The article explores the potential continuity of the Sauromatian-Sarmatian population in Northern Eurasia through a comparison of available craniometric data. The burial mounds studied are located in the Volga-Ural region and Western Kazakhstan, primarily the Ural River basin, a key area for understanding historical developments. Covering a span from the late 6th century BC to the 1st century AD, the research attempted to resolve issues of possible continuity for all anthropological data, clarified the dates of the burials used in the analysis and divided them into four chronological stages: late 6th—5th century BC; late 5th—4th century BC; 3rd—2nd / 1st centuries BC; and 1st century BC — 1st century AD. Sequential analysis of craniometric data revealed consistent traits between male and female series, with only minor differences. These findings suggest a focal point for racial genesis and the evolution of anthropological traits in the Ural River basin population during this period, with all stages sharing cultural traditions distinct from other historical and cultural communities.

Keywords: Sauromatians, Sarmatians, early nomads, early Iron Age, archaeology, anthropology, continuity, craniology, chronological horizons, Volga-Ural region, Western Kazakhstan

Information about author:

Egor Kitov (Moscow, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology, Russian Academy of Sciences 1. Lenin Ave., 32-A, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation
E-mail: [email protected]
ORCID: 0000-0002-0159-3288