Discovery of the 'City of Seven Ravines' Sheds Light on Ancient Central Asian Civilizations

A vast ancient urban area has been revealed in the heart of Central Asia, offering new insights into the industrial past of the region. This discovery has been named as one of the most significant archaeological finds in recent decades in this area.

Researchers from Durham University in the UK, University College London, and Kazakhstan's Toraighyrov University have compiled a comprehensive report on Semiyarka, also known as the 'City of Seven Ravines.' This settlement flourished more than 3,500 years ago and illustrates a distinct picture of urban development during its time.

Situated on the expansive grassland of the Kazakh Steppe, which extends over parts of northern Kazakhstan and Russia, Semiyarka covered about 350 acres. According to the detailed report, it stands as the largest known settlement in this region from that era. The city emerged around 1600 BCE during the Bronze Age and was notably one of the few centers known for metal production at that time, especially for bronze.

This revelation challenges the longstanding notion that advanced societies did not exist in the steppe during the period Semiyarka was occupied. The city, dubbed 'Seven Ravines' because of its scenic location by several valleys, marked a shift from nomadic lifestyles towards more stable communities, either permanent or semi-permanent.

Previously, historians believed that only semi-nomadic tribes inhabited the Kazakh Steppe. However, the archaeological investigations at Semiyarka have shown it to be a large-scale metalworking site and possibly a key trade hub of significant regional influence. Its size and the remains found there reveal critical information regarding social structures, settlement layouts, and technological advancements of that time.

"The Semiyarka discovery reshapes our understanding of how societies on the steppe existed," commented Miljana Radivojević, lead researcher and archaeologist from University College London. She highlights that the city exemplifies how mobile societies could evolve to establish enduring industrial centers, effectively creating an 'urban core' on the steppes.

Originally identified by researchers from Toraighyrov University in the early 2000s, Semiyarka's full potential was uncovered through this recent comprehensive analysis.

Viktor Merz, who played a crucial role in identifying Semiyarka and co-authored the recent extensive study, stated: "Decades of surveying with national research support have culminated in this collaborative effort, enhancing our knowledge about this historical site."