Origin of the Alans

[Alanus]

From Minusinsk to Northeastern China: the Q Migration, Part 2

Actually, it was more like an "expansion" rather than a migration. Why? Around 1,400 to 1,200 BC, climate change resulted in more humid and wetter conditions throughout the Siberian and Mongolian steppes. Pastoralist's animal herds increased in size, and they were healthier. And likewise, the people themselves ate better and actually became more robust as their own population increased. This was a major catalyst to expand into new grazing areas. See: theguardian.com/science/blog/2016/dec/07/archaeology-sheds-light-on-Mongolia

   
Here is a map of the first leg of the expansion. In the far upper right corner, we find "Minusinsk" (in tiny little itty-bitty print). From there, we head upstream along the Yenisey River, heading east between the Western and Eastern Sayan Mountains. For most of this trek, we're actually in Tuva and bypass the actual location where Ahrzan 1 would be built 300 years later. We reach the Yenisey headwaters in northern Mongolia, a large valley just west of "Hovsgol Nuur" (Khuvsgul Lake). From there, we drive our herds of cattle, sheep, and horses straight south to the spot marked as "Hangayn Nuruu." (After right-clicking on the map, you can click it again to enlarge and scroll down.)

   
A photo of the Tuvan steppe as it looks today. In 1,300 BC, this area was incredibly verdant and able to feed larger populations of grazing animals than it can today (an area now endangered by over-grazing by sheep).

   
"Hangayn" is actually Khangai, a large mountain range, pastoral complex, directly in the center of Mongolia. About the size of the Gorni Altai region, Khangai is loaded with everything we might expect from a circa 1,300 BC pastoral population. The above panoramic photo shows the extensive Bronze Age burial and khirgisuur complex located in Khangai.

   
The Bronze Age khirgisuurs in Khangai were built round and square, and the round ones are similar to those found in the Gobi Altai (our final destination in southern Mongolia). Khirigsuurs usually contain a single central grave of a "hero" or "chieftain." To the east of a khirgisuur, we find small burials containing horse skulls, vertebrae, and hooves. The horse skulls (just like the human skeletons) usually face to the east... toward the sun, the symbol of renewal. Often, a deer stone is also located to the east.

   
   
The Khangai complex is loaded with thousands of Bronze Age petroglyphs. Everything from deer, mountain sheep, hunters with bows, and chariots, are found within the artwork. For us, chariots are a key item.

   
Here is a simplified map of the route. The upper-left valley is Minusinsk. Going east, we see a small valley (Yenisey headwaters) just west of Khuvsgul Lake. Below this area, we see the large Khangai cultural complex. And directly below Khangai, we reach the Gobi Altai. At this point, we are only 550 km (342 miles) from Hetao, the "hump" of the Yellow River. Let's take a break and water the livestock before we continue.