Chargynov T.’s research while affiliated with Kyrgyz National University of Jusup Balasagyn and other places

Introduction. The article discusses the results of a study of ash layers from Holocene deposits at the Selungur (Surungur) Cave. Goals. So, the work attempts a practical evaluation of a method of identifying coprostanols in archaeological sediments. The investigation of Holocene deposits of the site was carried out in 2018 and 2021 field seasons. The study identifies a total of 7 Holocene layers that represent the typical ‘fumier’ facies of cave and rock shelter deposits connected to pastoralism and animal husbandry practices, and built up of stratified layers of burnt herbivore dung. The sequence contains a record of multiple earthquakes that disturbed the sediments and effected in water escape structures, plastic deformations, and faults. Nevertheless, the stratigraphy remains easily readable. Unfortunately, archaeological and paleofaunistic materials were never found but a series of ash-containing interlayers suggests that the cave was repeatedly visited by ancient humans. Materials. In the ash deposits, our micro charcoal analysis has identified areas of concentration of burnt dungs which was used for fire. Series of samples were taken throughout the section of Holocene deposits for gas mass spectrometry analysis. The research efforts have also included the analysis of modern dung from herbivores inhabiting the area, such as cows, sheep, goats, horses and donkeys, for the latter obtained data to serve as a reference collection. Results. Unfortunately, layer 7 of the Selungur Cave proved characterized by poor preservation of fire products, while layers 6–1 yielded somewhat rich data. The obtained results make it possible to identify coprosterols and determine that equine dung was used in layers 6-2 as a fuel, and goat dung — in the first layer. The most widespread distribution of equines in this region occurred during the existence of Dayuan (Parkan) state, in the third century BC and later in the Middle Ages. Most likely, during these periods the mountain corridor comprising the Selungur Cave could have been used as a pass of the Silk Road that connected the Fergana and Alay valleys. The accumulation of the upper layer, in our opinion, is associated with the modern era.

Burnt deposits are an important source of information on ancient lifestyles, providing the possibility of reconstructing the size, intensity of use, and functions of fi replaces at prehistoric settlements, and to assess fuel sources. We outline the results of a multidisciplinary study of fi replaces and their contexts at Surungur—a stratifi ed site in the Fergana Valley, in southern Kyrgyzstan. Sixteen samples from ash lenses and intermediate deposits were studied by rock-magnetism, gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and X-ray fl uorescence (XRF). The rock-magnetic analysis suggests that the origin of all samples from ash lenses was anthropogenic. Types of fuel were reconstructed. At the initial stage (Early Holocene), the encompassing deposits likely resulted from short-term occupation, and fuel consisted of wood and grass/ dung. In the Middle Holocene, occupation became more long-term, as evidenced by maximal heating temperatures and high concentration of fi replaces. During the Late Holocene, habitation intensity on the platform under the stone ledge remained the same, but heating was less intense. Wood and grass/dung were used as fuel at all stages, suggesting that wood was available in the region throughout the Holocene.

The paper researches the adaptation of ancient people to climate change and their influence on the surrounding landscapes on the example of the Surungur archaeological site (Southern Kyrgyzstan). The charcoal interlayers from Surungur depositions (excavations of 2021) were studied by the method of macrocharcoal analysis. Charcoals of different types were found in the samples: wood, grass, charred bones and amorphous charcoals. Amorphous coals are coals without a visible ordered structure with inclusions of other type macrocharcoals and containing spherulites. Spherulites are spherical crystals of calcite (5–20 mkm) formed in large quantities in the digestive system of ruminants (cows, sheep, goats, deer), preserved during combustion and visible in polarized light under a microscope. Based on the reconstruction of the used fuel types and the comparison of the data on climate in different time periods, we can conclude that throughout the period of the sites’ existence, ancient people used all types of fuel. During periods of warm and humid climate, trees were readily available and wood was mainly used, while during periods of dry and cold climate dung and probably bones were used more.

The article presents the first results of a comprehensive study of the new archaeological site Surungur in the Fergana Valley. Interdisciplinary research was conducted in 2018—2019 by an international Russian-Kyrgyz expedition. The direct archeological work at the site was preceded by geophysical surveys, which helped to identify the most promising areas for future research. The archaeological excavations made it possible to identify a series of fire places, to obtain a representative archaeological collection of paleofaunal material, lithic industry and bone tools. The stone industry is represented by blade knapping, among bone awls, point and elongated bead. Archaeological research indicates that Ovis, unidentified ovicaprin and cervid bones predominate in the Early Holocene sediments. Pollen analysis and analysis of small mammals allowed reconstruction of the paleo-environment at different stages of Early Holocene. The data obtained indicate that the Surungur site has been continuously inhabited since the Early Holocene. New data indicate that the materials of the lower cultural horizons of the site under study fit organically into the context of the known Neolithic cultures of the mountain part of Central Asia and find more analogies with the Hissar culture.

Ancient human movements through Asia Ancient DNA has allowed us to begin tracing the history of human movements across the globe. Narasimhan et al. identify a complex pattern of human migrations and admixture events in South and Central Asia by performing genetic analysis of more than 500 people who lived over the past 8000 years (see the Perspective by Schaefer and Shapiro). They establish key phases in the population prehistory of Eurasia, including the spread of farming peoples from the Near East, with movements both westward and eastward. The people known as the Yamnaya in the Bronze Age also moved both westward and eastward from a focal area located north of the Black Sea. The overall patterns of genetic clines reflect similar and parallel patterns in South Asia and Europe. Science , this issue p. eaat7487 ; see also p. 981