Afanasievo Culture (Early Phase) (3500 BCE – 3000 BCE)

The earliest southern Siberian steppe culture, developing in the Yenisei basin and the western Altai between 3500 and 3000 BCE; it shows genetic and cultural kinship with the Yamnaya.

Period:: 3500 BCE – 3000 BCE
Region:: Altay-Yenisey (Güney Sibirya)
Type:: culture

A possible ancestor of the Tocharians, it documents the early link between Central Asia and the European steppes. Its economy rested mainly on animal husbandry, and it was the forerunner of the later Andronovo culture.

Related events

The Spread of the Proto-Indo-European Language Family from the Steppe · 3500 BCE
The Spread of the Afanasievo Culture to the Altai · 3300 BCE
Afanasievo's Discovery of Siberia: The Earliest Steppe Expansion · 3300 BCE
The Formation of the Steppe–South Trade Network · 3000 BCE
Yenisei Rock Art: The First Documents of Steppe Art · 3000 BCE

Frequently asked questions

What was Afanasievo Culture (Early Phase)?: The earliest southern Siberian steppe culture, developing in the Yenisei basin and the western Altai between 3500 and 3000 BCE; it shows genetic and cultural kinship with the Yamnaya.
When did Afanasievo Culture (Early Phase) exist?: 3500 BCE – 3000 BCE
Where was Afanasievo Culture (Early Phase) located?: Altay-Yenisey (Güney Sibirya)