On the problem of interpretation of the graves from the necropolis of Old Merv

The necropolis of Old Merv (the 2nd-7th centuries) is a unique archaeologicalsite located not far from today's Bairam-Ali (Turkmenistan). Systematic excavationsprovided an opportunity to study the funeral rite of the Zoroastrian population of Parthia.In addition to burials in ossuaries, some of the burials discovered in the necropolis weremade by placing the deceased inside the pits lined with burned bricks as well as in coffinsof a cylindrical form referred by some scholars to the Merv Christian population becausethis ritual is not consistent with the Zoroastrian tradition. Excavations conducted byS. A. Ershov in the southernmost hill of the necropolis revealed four inscriptions onossuaries made in Jewish square script. Could a part of the necropolis be owned bythe Merv Jewish community or are these graves rare cases of Jewish burials at theZoroastrian cemetery? It is quite likely that the religious system in Old Merv allowedfor Zoroastrian graves to be made side by side with the graves of adherents of otherreligions.