World history: Russian archaeologists study the heritage of Manchurian’s ancestors

22 ancient burial mounds found archaeologists of Far Eastern Branch of the Academy of Sciences in Primorye. In parallel to these excavations are conducted researches at Nicholas and Shanginsky ancient settlements. In 10-13^th centuries there lived Jurchen, the ancestors of the Manchurians. They were engaged in agriculture, animal husbandry, handicrafts, trade with China and Japan, had their own writing.

"The Shanginsky settlement itself is situated on three hills nearby. All the hills are cut by platforms, man-made terraces, on which stood houses, shops, a palace," - explained a researcher, Institute of History, Archaeology and Ethnography of the Far East peoples Andrew Struchkov.

In the passage of the building was already found a bronze coin and an iron-clad plate of armor as well as the remains of buildings that may have burned during the attack of the Mongols.

All items found are thoroughly washed, researchers try to glue clay crocks. After all, in terms of archeology, a vessel is considered to be integral if collected up to more than 50%.

"Then all the items are sent to the Institute for the History of Archaeology. There is a museum, archive, where all this is stored, handled, examined, "- says a student of the Faculty of History of the Far Eastern Federal University Ekaterina Moiseeva.

During the excavations scientists are trying to answer the question of how it was possible to completely destroy a civilization so advanced for 12th century.