New data on the spatial distribution of the Kamen-2 burial ground

The preparation for publishing archaeological materials from the burial ground of Kamen-2 dated to 4th-3rd centuries BC has shown that the south group of burial mounds is located at a distance of around 300 m from the north group of burials and the southern tombs demonstrate significant differences. The south group with practically equal amount of burial mounds (n = 10) contains very few burial mounds surrounded by small ditches, but four times more child burials. The differences are seen in grave distribution and ceramic grave goods. Division of the Kamen-2 cemetery into two groups is not a unique phenomenon. The burial grounds demonstrate significant different features, but they are dated to the same chronological period. The parallel to the specifics of Kamen-2 presents the Novotroitskoye Necropolis. Both burial grounds of Novotroitskoye-1 and Novotroitskoye-2 existed in the same area of the fluvial terrace during some period. The burial grounds were located longitudinally at the distance of300-400 m. Each cemetery contained practically the same number of the Kamen mounds. The funeral rites and grave good kits of the Novotroitskoye-1 and -2 show obvious distinguishing features. The Bystrovsky Necropolis located 100 km to the north-west from the village of Novotroitskoye demonstrates substantial similarity. The Bystrovsky Necropolis contains three burial grounds (Bystrovka-1, -2, and -3) located at 400 and 200 m from each other. It can be assumed that two cemeteries functioned at the same time in Novotroitskoye Necropolis, Bystrovsky Necropolis, and Kamen-2 burial ground in the range of the 5th-3rd centures BC. Based upon the most representative materials of Novotroitskoye Necropolis, different groups likely buried their relatives on each of these separate burial grounds.