About the recently discovered settlement in the Khurkh river valley

A recently discovered fortified settlement in the Khurkh River Valley, identified through satellite remote sensing and confirmed by field research in 2023 and 2025, provides new insights into the spatial distribution of Xiongnu-period settlements. The settlement, located near significant aristocratic burial complexes (Duurlig Nars and Bor Bulag), offers critical data for understanding the function and purpose of Xiongnu fortified structures in Mongolia's Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Future research will focus on analyzing rectangular irrigation channels surrounding the site to clarify its role, potentially shedding light on ancient water management practices.

Ganbold, B., Sanjperlee, E., Erdene-Ochir, A., & Kyung, L. N. (2025). About the recently discovered settlement in the Khurkh river valley. Studia Archaeologica, 85–90. https://doi.org/10.5564/sa.v48i2.4743