Ancient Nomads of the Aralo-Caspian Region : The Duana Archaeological Complex. University of Sydney Central Asian Programme
Leuven: Peeters, 2007. First edition. Hardcover. Quarto (12" x 8-1/2"). viii, 138, (2)pp. Red cloth lettered in gilt. Illustrated with numerous drawings, archaeological ground plans and 7 maps. An ex-library book but with minimal rubber stamps on title page & at bottom of text block, otherwise fine.
The content of this volume centers around archaeological fieldwork carried out by Yagodin and others on the Ustiurt Plateau, a remote upland desert region lying between the Aral and the Caspian seas, in the southernmost part of the Asian steppes where ancient Nomadic groups used to winter to take advantage of the relatively mild climate. The Duana region is peculiar, however, in that there are also structures, which Yagodin and his team have interpreted as sanctuaries, shedding some light for the first time on how ancient nomadic cult practices might have influenced on the cults and religions of the settled lands in the South. (OCLC)
The Aralo-Caspian region is the southern heartland of the Eurasian steppe and in its remotest quarters it preserves a rich record of the nomads who have ranged for many centuries across its grasslands. Between the Aral and the Caspian Seas lies the Ustiurt Plateau, an isolated upland area of semi-desert that in past centuries was once the favoured winter grazing land for many of the nomadic tribes of central Eurasia. Professor Vadim Yagodin pioneered work in this difficult region and through several decades documented its history, mainly through evidence gathered from cemeteries. Duana lies in a beautiful setting overlooking the western shores of the Aral Sea. Its importance rests not only in the multi-period burial complex but also in the nomad sanctuaries that have been found there. (Publisher)
Contents: The Aralo-Caspian region / A.V.G. Betts -- The duanaarchaeological complex / V.N. Yagodin ; [translated from the Russian] -- Human remains / S. Blau.(OCLC)
Supplement 43 of the Peeters series, "Ancient Near Eastern Studies." near fine. Item #53077
ISBN: 9789042919341
Price: $95.00