Archaeological Sites of Kalmykia: Contemporary Cartographic Sources Revisited

Abstract

Introduction. When it comes to contemporary maps of Kalmykia, one can mention those contain quite a number of symbols to denote kurgans / mounds. Goals. The study aims at examining informational values of contemporary cartographic sources it terms of localizing actual archaeological sites of the Republic. Results. The work reveals 7.860 objects strongly supposed to be kurgans, the bulk of them placed in the Ergeni Upland, Kuma-Manych Depression, and Sarpa Lowland, while a lower density observed in western parts of the region (northwest of the Stavropol Upland) with scarcest numbers delineated within the Caspian Depression. The distribution of archaeological objects on the map essentially aligns with the well-known fact that different natural and geographic zones of Kalmykia are characterized by varying densities of kurgans. Despite the maps contain not all kurgans, they do mention sizeable ones, and 1.580 of 7.860 objects have height indications. So, there is a review map with largest sites. As is known, immense kurgans are not that solitary and often serve to mark groups of smaller mounds. Conclusions. The examined cartographic materials are significant sources that may be instrumental in exploring archeological sites in future. The data obtained can be used in further expeditions and development of image interpreting methods. Such efforts shall make it possible to discover not only large monuments but also minor ones.

Keywords

• republic of kalmykia
• ergeni upland
• kuma-manych depression
• sarpa lowland
• caspian depression
• stavropol upland
• archaeological sites
• kurgan
• topographic maps
• cartographic sources