An elite tomb from the pre-Mongolian period was discovered in Mongolia

This discovery provides vital insights into the local communities, their networks and organization during the 12th century AD - a period characterized by post-imperial instability and intense political competition

A team of archaeologists led by professors Gideon Shelah-Levi from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Amartovshin Chonga from the National University of Mongolia and William Honey-Church from Yale University, uncovered an elite tomb from the pre-Mongolian period in the Dornod province of Mongolia. This find, which is part of the Mongolian-Israeli-American archeology project, sheds new light on a period that is not well understood in the Mongolian plateau, extending from the collapse of the Khitan Empire around 1125 AD to the rise of the Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan in 1206 AD.

The tomb, now known as the Khar Noor Burial Ground, is inside the wall of a fortress complex from the Kitan period. The tomb, believed to have been built after the fort was decommissioned, contains the remains of an elderly woman, indicating that she belonged to a distinguished dynasty of significant political status. This discovery provides vital insights into the local communities, their networks and organization during the 12th century AD – a period characterized by post-imperial instability and intense political competition.

The archaeological context and its meaning

The Mongolian-Israeli-American Archeology Project has been conducting surveys and excavations along the "Long Walls" on the Khitan border in northeastern Mongolia since 2018. The discovery of the Kher Nur burial is one of the project's most significant findings, providing valuable evidence of the cultural and political changes that occurred in preparation for the rise of the Mongol Empire.

Several hypotheses have been put forward to explain the choice of burial location:

1. It is possible that the Kher Noor nomads saw the abandoned Kitan fort as part of their history and that of their native territory, using it to confirm local identity and social memory.
2. The fort may have held a symbolic status, making it a suitable place for the burial of a senior member of the community.
3. The burial may have been a deliberate display of power and territory holding within the political competition of the time.

These theories, which do not contradict each other, offer an integrated explanation for the social and political processes that took place in the Eastern Arava area in the post-Kitan period. As imperial authority waned and Arab groups struggled for control, the Kher Noor Burial Ground is a powerful symbol of identity, memory and power in a period of transition.

historical implications

The discovery adds an important piece to the puzzle of Mongolian history, providing a deeper understanding of the events and communities that shaped the region before the rise of the Mongol Empire. It offers important insights into how local communities maintained their networks and organization during a period of significant change and political competition.

"The Kher Nur burial represents a unique window into the complex social and political landscape of Mongolia in the 12th century," added Prof. Shelah-Levi. "It demonstrates how local elites may have used symbolic ties to past empires to legitimize their power and status while navigating a rapidly changing political environment."

This remarkable find not only enriches our understanding of Mongolia before the Mongol Empire, but also highlights the importance of continued archaeological research in uncovering the region's complex history. As the analysis of the burial and its contents continues, the researchers expect to gain further insights into this crucial period in Mongolian and world history.

for the scientific article

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