Laboratory for the Interdisciplinary Research of Archaeology of Western Siberia and Altai

• The Laboratory has created a high-precision cultural and chronological classification of paleolithic cave complex (Denisova, Chagyr and Strashnaya caves) on the territory of Russian Altai. The classification is integrated into the general scheme of development of paleolithic industries of Eurasia.
• We have reconstructed the general sequence and main stages of population of the Altai region by ancient humans. Our researchers have determined the nature of indirect correlation between specific variations of synchronous stone industries and anthropological image of their manufactures: Denisovans with Levallois complexes; Neanderthals with ensembles of Middle Paleolithic of the Micoquian type. Within the project we have determined the main features of intercultural ad interpopulational interactions in the context of changing environmental conditions.
• The Laboratory has tested the system for reconstructing cultural and historical processes in Middle Asia based on implementation of natural science methods and hi-tech devices. We have obtained archaelogical materials that allow to fill the developed cultural chronological scheme of history of non-literal nations of Altai with concrete substance. We have created prerequisites for creation of a modern concept of historical development of the population of Western Siberia. Conducted complex analysis and used research approaches and methods have demonstrated good prospects and efficiency of further work.
• We have reconstructed processes of culture genesis on the territory of Northern Asia including creation of models of processes of formation, evolution and decline of key ethnopolitical unions of the region. We have detailed features of processes of interaction nomads with adjacent territories including on the basis of complex analysis of imported objects from burial and memorial sites. During field expeditions we accumulated a significant volume of information on culture of ancient and medieval population of Northern Asia.

Implemented results of research: We have renewed education programs in archaeology with regard to new data that are used by the Novosibirsk and the Altai State Universities.

Education and career development:

• We have compiled a number of core education courses for the Faculty of History of the Altai State University such as «Archaeology», «Nomadic empires of Central Asia», «Methods and methodology of scientific research», «Protecting environmental and cultural heritage sites» and others.
• The Laboratory published two parts of the basic textbook «General problems of archaeology in Russia» part 1 (2014) and part 2 (2016) as well as the textbook «The Andronovo culture on Altai» (based on materials of burial complexes) (2015).
• 5 doctoral dissertations and 10 candidate dissertations have been defended.

Organizational and structural changes: At the Altai State University, the Laboratory for interdisciplinary research of archaeology of Western Siberia and Altai.

Collaborations: Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (Germany), University of Bordeaux (France), «PaleoChron» Laboratory of the University of Oxford (United Kingdom), Queen's University Belfast (United Kingdom): joint research