An ancient tomb was recently discovered in southern Siberia in which there may be treasure, priceless objects, and the 3, 000-year-old remains of an ice mummy.
Swiss scientist Gino Caspari with the University of Bern was looking carefully at the pictures of the area in the Russian Tuva Republic, when he came across what appeared to be a tomb. It is a tomb of the Scythians, an ancient group of Eurasians.
This summer, together with researchers from the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Hermitage Museum, a dig at the site not only proved Caspari's idea, but told us the site is the largest and oldest of its kind ever discovered in what's increasingly known as the “Siberian Valley of the Kings.”
While any discovery dating back to a period between the Iron Age and Bronze Age is exciting, it's the nature of this site that makes scientists want to begin carefully clearing away the layers of rock and earth. First, the tomb appears to have never been dug, because it is in a Siberian wetland faraway from the nearest place where people live. Second, and most important, is its possible resting place under a thick layer of permafrost.
“There's permafrost in the area,” Caspari said. “There are really only a handful of permafrost tombs and very few that have not been damaged, where there have been ice mummies in good condition, and all the things in the tomb are untouched.”
While not as large, other tombs discovered in the area have produced fantastical treasures and objects, including thousands of gold objects and other things about the past. By studying all these tombs, researchers hope to have a better understanding of the Scythian people.
Caspari said his team is in a race against time to uncover the tomb and find out its secrets. “We now have to act fast,” he said, “because with the rising temperatures, the permafrost could melt and damage all the things in that tomb. And these are things that are over 3,000 years old, that look like new, like they were put there yesterday.”
32. How did Caspari discover the tomb?
A.By studying pictures. | B.By visiting a Russian area. |
C.By talking with Russian researchers. | D.By comparing other scientists, ideas. |
33. Why has the tomb remained untouched?
A.It is covered by a lot of rocks. | B.It is well kept by the Scythians. |
C.It is too small to draw attention. | D.It is hidden in a wild cold place. |
34. Why do scientists want to uncover the tomb?
A.To better protect the tomb. | B.To save the treasures inside. |
C.To learn more about the Scythians. | D.To have a good understanding of mummies. |
35. Why is Caspari's team racing against time to dig the tomb?
A.The tomb is too old. | B.It is getting hotter and hotter. |
C.Some treasures are being damaged. | D.They want to save time for other tombs. |