Researchers at the Institute of Archaeology of the Russian Academy of Sciences have summarized the results of 2025 by compiling a list of ten key discoveries and projects. The list includes both sensational field finds and major scientific publications that shape the future of Russian archaeology. These achievements reveal new aspects of the country’s history — from paleogenetics to digital technologies, from the nomadic steppes to pre-Mongol cities.
Genetic History of Scythia
Special attention was drawn to the publication of a large-scale study of the genetics of Scythian populations. This research is the first extensive paleogenomic analysis based on a collection of samples gathered over more than a century of excavations in necropolises across the Russian Plain, the Northern Black Sea region, the Kuban, and the Central Transcaucasus.
The results revealed genetic heterogeneity among the Scythian peoples: nomadic groups of the steppes and forest-steppes inherited an ancient Iranian genetic component, while populations of the Transcaucasus had a significant contribution from ancient Anatolian farmers. Phenotypic analysis confirmed diversity in appearance: among the Scythians were both dark-haired, brown-eyed individuals and light-haired, light-eyed people. These data shed new light on migrations and the ethnic composition of the Eurasian steppes.
Publication of the First Volume of the 20-Volume “History of Russia”
The release of the first volume of a monumental multi-volume work covering the earliest human societies in what is now Russia was highly anticipated. The book covers the period from the appearance of Homo about 1.9 million years ago to the end of the 2nd millennium BCE, marking the close of the paleometal and Bronze Age.
Dagogninskoye Settlement in Dagestan
Archaeologists studied a Eneolithic settlement near the town of Dagestanskie Ogni. This culture, previously known only in the South Caucasus, was documented in the North Caucasus for the first time. The settlers likely moved north along the Caspian coast, creating new settlements along a narrow strip of the Caspian lowlands.
Obsidian artifacts brought from hundreds of kilometers away indicate long-distance trade or exchange. Excavations revealed the settlement’s layout and aspects of daily life around the beginning of the 5th millennium BCE.
Find of the Season: Seal of Yaroslav the Wise
The main sensation of the year was a lead seal of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, discovered at Yaroslav’s courtyard in Veliky Novgorod. This is:
- The first such find for the Novgorod period of Yaroslav’s rule (1010–1019 CE);
- Only the second seal of Yaroslav found in Novgorod and one of the oldest in Rus.
The seal confirms the existence of a princely chancery and documentary administration, and it is possible that it was used to finalize the original version of the “Russian Truth,” the earliest codified set of laws.
Sacrificial Complex of Nomadic Nobility in the Southern Urals
In Orenburg Oblast, the “Vysokaya Mogila — Studenikin Mar” kurgan necropolis revealed a unique sacrificial complex from the 4th–3rd centuries BCE left by nomadic elites. The pit contained horse harness ornaments, bronze belt fittings, delicate headpieces, and ritual items in the animal style. In terms of quantity and variety, this is the largest complex of its kind in the Southern Urals. Ritual elements indicate complex post-burial ceremonies.
Four Centuries of Muroma History: Excavations at the Zvyaginsky Cemetery
In Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, excavations at the Zvyaginsky cemetery, associated with the Finno-Ugric Muroma tribe, examined over 50 graves from the 8th–11th centuries. The study traced changes in material and spiritual culture over four centuries and the integration of the Muroma into the early Russian state. The site also served as a testing ground for drone-based remote sensing under the “Expedition.Air” program.
Mysteries of the Merya Graves in Suzdal Land
Excavations of an 8th–10th century Merya cemetery in Ivanovo Oblast revealed a previously unknown burial rite: weapons and tools were placed vertically into the soil alongside horse harness components. Researchers suggest these are traces of a cremation-related ritual, shedding light on Merya beliefs before Slavic influence.
Lidar Technologies: Digital Archaeology in Suzdal and Yuryevets
Lidar scanning was used to create precise digital models of historical fortifications. In Suzdal, the Kremlin ramparts were documented, and in Yuryevets-Povolzhsky, remnants of the “White City” fortress hidden in the terrain were revealed. These data will support new publications and exhibitions marking the city’s 800th anniversary.
Smolensk “Terem”: Rare Civilian Building of the Pre-Mongol Era
In central Smolensk, remains of a 12th-century stone civilian building were discovered, a rarity since stone was primarily used for temples at the time. Bricks with stamps, arch fragments, a staircase, and a nearby princely seal suggest this was a representative terem of a noble person.
Finds of the Russian North: Trade and Leisure
In Arkhangelsk, items from a burned Gostiny Dvor (1667) included Western European knives and firearm parts, providing insights into early imports through Russia’s northern ports. In Vologda, excavations revealed rich collections of household and recreational items from the 14th–16th centuries, including tools, jewelry, leather balls, chess pieces, and mysterious “fierce beast” figurines.
