Peoples of Russia: Archeologists detect parts of an ancient temple in Primorsky Krai

Archeologists of Primorsky krai, who have been excavating the capital of Jurchen people - Kaiyuan, have for the first time found the remains of an ancient temple – a cast-iron arch with solar signs, said Nadezhda Artemyeva, Head of Middle Ages Archaeology Department, Institute of History, Archaeology and Ethnography, Far Eastern branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Jurchen people – ancestors of Manchurians, were ancient people who inhabited the territory of contemporary Primorye in 10th-13th cc. Among their main occupations were - farming, cattle-breeding, handicraft, as well as trade with China and Japan. The Jurchens had their own written system. The remains of their towns are found across the whole territory of Primorsky krai.

The capital of the state of Jurchen people, Kaiyuan (Krasnoyarovsk settlement), where the excavations take place, was founded in 1215. In the beginning of August 2010 an expedition of archaeologists discovered a large metallurgical complex, which answered for casting and forging of cast iron and bronze, proving that Kaiyuan was a large settlement with a well developed industry.

Archaeologists found a patterned arch in the "inner town" aside from the metallurgical workshop. It bears two solar signs – inverted swastikas. In the East these symbols were used in Buddhism staying for sun and harmony. It gave archeologists a clue that this arch served as an entrance to the Buddhist temple. Scholars are aware that Jurchen people professed Buddhism, however never before Buddhist temples or monasteries were detected on the territory of Primoskky Krai. Taking into account the fact that Kaiyuan was a capital city, a large religious center might have been located on its territory.

Archeological expedition proved rich for other important finds. In particular, after detection of the metallurgical complex, scientists found several casting ladels, clamps and a smith’s dwelling.