ON THE PROBLEM OF THE SAKAS OF FERGANA DURING THE EARLY IRON AGE
Abstract
The article presents a treasure of bronze objects discovered in the village of Dilkushod in the
Khodjabod district of the Andijan region. The treasure consists of 11 well-preserved items: a battle
axe, a cheekpiece with a stirrup-shaped end, ‘celt-spades’ (2 specimens), a bronze mirror, bronze
items of clothing (6 specimens). These finds indicate the appearance of the early Sakas in the Fergana
Valley and the geography of their distribution. The complex dates back to the 7th-3rd centuries BCE
and represents the transition of the Saka population in this part of the valley (eastern) to agriculture,
as well as the early elements of symbiosis between settled farmers and nomadic herders. It is argued
that the items from the treasury belong to early Sakas, who were considered newcomers to the valley
and had not yet mixed with the local population during this period. Regarding the origin, it is noted
that the complex is not connected with the Qayraqqum culture and the nomadic tribes of the Eurasian
steppes (Vadyl, Karamkul, Yapaghi, Chek necropolises). It is concluded that the early Sakas of the
valley originated from the vast territories of Kazakhstan-Siberia.
About the Authors
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