Sophisticated Bronze Age city unearthed in Kazakhstan

Published: Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at 7:00 am

Bronze Age City Uncovered in Kazakhstan, Rewriting History

Archaeologists have announced the discovery of a significant Bronze Age settlement in Kazakhstan, potentially a major city dating back approximately 3,600 years. The site, named Semiyarka, covers an expansive 346 acres, significantly larger than other contemporary settlements in the region. The findings, published in the journal *Antiquity*, are reshaping our understanding of Bronze Age societies in the Eurasian steppe.

The excavation, dating back to 1600 B.C., reveals the first site in the area with substantial evidence of metallurgy and tin-bronze production. Researchers believe Semiyarka was a well-organized settlement capable of large-scale metalworking. The city's location, atop a bluff overlooking the Irtysh River, suggests it may have controlled river traffic. The site's strategic position has led researchers to believe it may have served as a center of trade and distribution.

The excavation revealed two rows of earthworks, or large banks of soil, angled towards each other and divided into smaller structures. Mud brick walls were built along the insides of the banks, possibly delineating individual households. A larger central structure, twice the size of the others, was found where the two rows met, potentially used for rituals or government.

An area dedicated to metalworking was discovered southeast of one of the earthwork rows, containing metal artifacts, ores, and slag. This area may represent an early example of industrial production of copper and tin bronze, a key component of the Eurasian Bronze Age economy. The metal ores likely originated from nearby deposits in the Altai Mountains.

BNN's Perspective:

The discovery of Semiyarka is a fascinating glimpse into a sophisticated Bronze Age society. The scale of the settlement and the evidence of organized metal production suggest a level of complexity previously unseen in this region. This finding underscores the importance of continued archaeological research in uncovering the rich and diverse history of the Eurasian steppe.

Keywords: Bronze Age, Kazakhstan, Semiyarka, archaeology, city, metallurgy, tin-bronze, excavation, Irtysh River, trade, Eurasian steppe, metalworking, artifacts, Altai Mountains

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