Pazyryk culture

The Pazyryk culture (Russian: Пазырыкская культураPazyrykskaya kul'tura) is an Iranic Saka (Central Asian Scythian) nomadic Iron Agearchaeological culture (6th to 3rd centuries BC) identified by excavated artifacts and mummified humans found in the Siberianpermafrost, in the Altai Mountains, Kazakhstan and Mongolia. The mummies are buried in long barrows (or kurgans) similar to the tomb mounds of Scythian culture in Ukraine. The type site consists of the Pazyryk burials of the Ukok Plateau. Many artifacts and human remains have been found at this location, including the Siberian Ice Princess, indicating a flourishing culture at this location that benefited from the many trade routes and caravans of merchants passing through the area. The Pazyryk are considered to have had a war-like life. The Pazyryk culture was preceded by the Arzhan culture (Initial Scythian period, 8th–7th century BC).