Kurgan burial mounds

Kurgan burial mounds are ancient structures found mainly in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, built by nomadic peoples, particularly the Yamnaya culture, around 3500 to 2500 BCE. These mounds are made of earth and stones and serve as tombs for the deceased, often containing grave goods like pottery, weapons, and jewelry. The Kurgan model has significantly influenced our understanding of early Indo-European migrations and cultural exchanges. These sites provide valuable insights into burial practices, social hierarchies, and the lives of ancient communities, highlighting their complexity and the importance of ancestor veneration in their cultures.