Features of social organization among the bearers of tomb culture in 3rd-1st centuries BC (based on materials from burial sites in the Stavropol height and Caucasian Mineral Waters regions)

Abstract

This article analyzes the social structure of the population that occupied the territory of the Stavropol height and the area of Caucasian Mineral Waters in the 3rd-1st centuries BC. The following features characterizing some separate social strata are considered: size of constructions, architectural features of tombs, numbers and typological diversity of grave goods, presence (or absence) of articles from precious metals and Greek or Roman imports among the grave goods, presence (or absence) of ground burials around tombs. These features are typical for the culture of a mixed population that mostly consisted of an enclave of the western Koban tribes headed by descendants of the Scythians remaining in the Cis-Caucasian region after their exodus to the northern Black Sea region. Vertical and horizontal stratigraphy of the society can be observed. The vertical column of this society consists of 5 strata: 1 - rulers; 2 and 3 - nobility of the first and second levels; 4 - plain warriors and their families; 5 - slaves (possibly, prisoners). Horizontal stratification can be noticed in spatial distribution of funeraty complexes of different types, which, most likely, points to the heterogeneous ethnic composition of the Bearers of Tomb Culture)