MAIASP. 2025. No. 21 Ruslan Kalendar (Astana, Kazakhstan), Oxana Khapilina (Astana, Kazakhstan), Arman Kulyyasov (Astana, Kazakhstan), Aidyn Zhuniskhanov (Astana, Kazakhstan), Amantai Isin (Semey, Kazakhstan), Azat Aitkali (Semey, Kazakhstan) ARCHAEOBOTANICAL AND MOLECULAR STUDY OF THE SEEDS FROM KURGAN NO. 2 AT THE KARATOBE BURIAL SITE This study reports on the discovery of knotgrass (Polygonum aviculare L.) seeds recovered from Kurgan No. 2 of the Karatobe burial ground, their successful germination under in vitro culture conditions, and subsequent molecular-genetic analyses. Radiocarbon dating indicates that the seeds were introduced into the site during the 1950s—1960s rather than representing ancient deposits. These results underscore the importance of critical evaluation when interpreting botanical finds in funerary contexts. The study highlights that the mere presence of seeds in burial assemblages cannot be automatically linked to ancient ritual or subsistence practices; instead, comparative analyses of both human and plant remains are essential to establish reliable cultural and chronological associations. Key words: archaeology, burial ground, kurgan, seeds, molecular-genetic research. |