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Elongated skull being unearthed, Arkaim, Russia

Skeleton with Elongated Skull Discovered in Russia

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A skeleton with an elongated skull has been uncovered at Arkaim, known as the Stonehenge of Russia. Dating to the second or third century AD, the elongated skull has created a stir for alien enthusiasts and archaeologists alike.

The Akraim site is located in the Southern Urals in Russia and is dated to the 17th century BC. The settlement in which the skeleton with the elongated skull was found is dated to 4,000 years ago, while the skeleton itself is 2,000 years old.

As the skeleton is so much younger than the site, researchers do not believe it is really connected to the Akraim archaeological site, and are convinced that the discovery is purely coincidental

Archaeologists studying the skeleton have come to some conclusions regarding its origin. Researcher Maria Makurova asserts that the skeleton probably "belongs to a woman from the Sarmati tribe that lived in the territories of what is now modern day Ukraine, Kazakhstan and southern Russia," according to The Mail Online.

As Ancient Origins has outlined, the Sarmatians were a group of tribes who spoke Persian and ruled the aforementioned areas between 500 BC to 400 AD. They are known to have practiced female body modification by, for example, cauterizing the right breast to enable more strength for hunting and fighting.

Sarmatian cavalry fleeing from Roman riders, Trajan's Column

Sarmatian cavalry fleeing from Roman riders, Trajan's Column (Wikimedia Commons)

Makurova states that the skull's elongated shape is also due to cultural traditions, and does not suggest the woman having connections to or being a member of any alien species. "Her skull was elongated because the tribe did so by tying up the heads of their children with rope. It was clearly a tradition in the tribe."

Nonetheless, the cause of elongated skulls in the Samarti tribe has yet to be explained by archaeologists. While some suspect interactions with beings from other worlds, Makurova has declined to comment on this belief, stating instead that research continues on other theories to clarify the reasons for this practice.

A photo depicting the practice of head binding with rope

A photo depicting the practice of head binding with rope (Flickr)

The controversy regarding the origin of  elongated skulls as cultural practices, alien interactions, and as a worldwide phenomena has been covered extensively by Ancient Origins. Archaeological finds of both cranium and figurines have shown that skull modification expanded around the world starting in 5,000 BC as hunter-gatherer societies  became more settled. The reasoning behind the increase in elongated skulls is however still open for debate.

The site of Arkaim is called Russia's Stonehenge due to its latitude, date, size and role as an astronomical observatory. The site also contains a settlement which covers approximately 220,000 square feet (6, 7056 square meters) and has a central gathering space with two circles of dwellings separated by a street.

Statue, Arkaim, Russia

Statue, Arkaim, Russia (Wikimedia Commons)

Similarities continue as there have also been many claims of strange incidents taking place at Arkaim in the past, much like Stonehenge. Magnetic anomalies, strange fog and lights, hallucinations, feelings of disorientation and other unexplained phenomena have linked Arkaim to otherworldly activities over the years. Much as the theories and controversy regarding elongated skulls, Arkaim continues to generate heated debate on its origins and purpose.

Featured image: Elongated skull being unearthed, Arkaim, Russia (HNGN)

By Alicia McDermott

 

Comments

Well, I'm just glad my head was never bound.

malisa wright

Alicia McDermott's picture

Alicia

Alicia McDermott holds degrees in Anthropology, Psychology, and International Development Studies and has worked in various fields such as education, anthropology, and tourism. She is the Chief Editor of Ancient Origins Magazine. Traveling throughout Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador, Alicia... Read More

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