Construction and geographical orientation of Scythian burial mounds

This paper presents an original approach to the study of the Scythian burial mounds. The analysis of the archaeological data follows two lines of research, which have so far been largely overlooked. Firstly, a close statistical examination of size of all types of graves, such as primary and secondary burials, servants’ graves and those containing horses is undertaken. This parameter is regarded as an important indication of social status and the hierarchy of the deceased and their burials in the Scythian funeral ceremonies. Secondly, location of graves within the mounds have been analyzed to single out a number of their arrangement patterns with respect to the ideal latitudinal and meridian axis within the mound. New data concerning the planigraphy of Scythian burial mounds have been discovered, which contribute to a more detailed understanding of the spatial representation of kinship and family hierarchy in the Scythian society. As a result, new data have been obtained, which shed light on the system which determines the geographical orientation of the Scythians, their clan and family hierarchies and the ideas on the nether world.