In this episode of Modern Nomads, we travel across Kazakhstan in search of its most captivating archaeological treasures — from the royal Saka tombs of Berel in the east to the iconic Golden Man exhibit in the capital Astana.
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Kazakh land was once home to ancient civilizations that thrived here millennia ago. The Saka royal tombs, uncovered in 1998, offer insight into the social hierarchy and burial traditions of the time. The site also holds tombs from the later Turkic era. Today, it’s a must-visit destination in East Kazakhstan, drawing up to 15,000 visitors annually.
The region is rich in archaeological treasures. One of them is Ak-Baur — a complex of sedentary settlements dating back to the Bronze and early Iron Age. This discovery challenges the stereotype that the Saka were purely nomadic.
Kazakhstan’s most iconic archaeological find, the Golden Man — or Altyn Adam in Kazakh — is now housed in the National Museum in Astana. The exhibit has toured the globe, becoming a powerful symbol of the nation's ancient legacy.
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