The Steppe Geoglyphs are a number of earth constructions in the Turgai Trough area of Turgai in northern Kazakhstan. There are at least 260 of these earthworks. [1] [2]
The Steppe Geoglyphs are a number of earth constructions in the Turgai Trough area of Turgai in northern Kazakhstan. There are at least 260 of these earthworks. [1] [2]
Many or all of them consist of smaller earthworks (mounds, trenches, and ramparts) arranged with each other to make geometric and other shapes (composite figures). These shapes are squares, rings, and three others. [1] The composite figures range from slightly under 90 m in length to over 400 m in diameter. [3] Besides being made of earth dug out and piled up, some of the geoglyphs are made by placing stones next to each other.[ citation needed ]
Some of the large shapes have been given names, including Bestamskoe Ring, Ushtogaysky (or Ushtogay) Square, Turgay triradial swastika, [4] Large cross Ashtasti, Ekedyn cross, Ashutasti ring, Kyzyloba line, Koga cross, and Shili square. [1] [5]
These shapes are large enough to be easily visible on Google Earth. The Ushtogay Square is at 50°49′59″N65°19′35″E / 50.832933°N 65.326276°E . The Turgay triradial is at 50°06′10″N65°21′39″E / 50.102778°N 65.360833°E , only about 800 metres (1⁄2 mi) from the town of Urpek. Both are inside Amangeldi District, Kostanay Region.
The earthworks were discovered in 2007 by Dimitriy Dey. [6] [7] He found them by searching Google Earth's satellite images for pyramids and similar configurations in Kazakhstan. [6] They were first reported to the scientific community in 2014. [8]
Optical dating (optically stimulated luminescence) has been used to determine that one of the mounds dates to around 8000 B.C.E. [1] [9]
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A hill figure is a large visual representation created by cutting into a steep hillside and revealing the underlying geology. It is a type of geoglyph usually designed to be seen from afar rather than above. In some cases trenches are dug and rubble made from material brighter than the natural bedrock is placed into them. The new material is often chalk, a soft and white form of limestone, leading to the alternative name of chalk figure for this form of art.
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This page is a glossary of archaeology, the study of the human past from material remains.
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Since then, Dey has found about 260 of the land designs—which resemble crop circles, but are much stranger.
More than 50 geoglyphs with various shapes and sizes, including a massive swastika, have been discovered across northern Kazakhstan in Central Asia, say archaeologists.
Spotted on Google Earth in 2007 by a Kazakh economist and archaeology enthusiast, Dmitriy Dey, the so-called Steppe Geoglyphs remain deeply puzzling and largely unknown to the outside world.
Discovered using Google Earth, the geoglyphs are designed...