Mogilan mound

A Mogilan mound, also spelled Mohylan mound, refers to a type of large burial mound characteristic of the Scythian and Sarmatian cultures that flourished in Eastern Europe and Central Asia from approximately the 8th century BC to the 4th century AD. These mounds, often called kurgans in other contexts (especially when referring to earlier periods and other cultures), served as elaborate tombs for members of the elite, particularly rulers and warriors.

Mogilan mounds are typically earthen structures, sometimes faced with stone, ranging in size from relatively modest heaps to massive constructions several meters in height and diameter. The size and complexity of the mound often reflected the status and power of the interred individual.

Archaeological investigations of Mogilan mounds have yielded a wealth of information about Scythian and Sarmatian life, art, and burial practices. These mounds often contain elaborate burial chambers, furnished with grave goods such as weapons, jewelry, gold ornaments, pottery, and even the remains of sacrificed animals and attendants. The intricate artwork discovered within these mounds, particularly the gold work often referred to as "Scythian gold," is renowned for its animal-style motifs and provides valuable insights into the beliefs and artistic traditions of these nomadic peoples.

The term "Mogilan mound" is generally used in the context of archaeological literature and historical studies concerning the Scythians and Sarmatians, distinguishing them from other types of burial mounds found across the globe. The term emphasizes the cultural and geographical context within which these specific types of tumuli were constructed and utilized.