A ground-squirrel helped archaeologists to discover a treasure in the Astrakhan steppe. A buried treasure of silver coins dated by the end of the 14th century was discovered by the scientists of Mari State University during excavations in Astrakhan Oblast, according to the official website of the university.

      “Archaeologists discovered a buried treasure of silver coins dated by the end of the 14th century on the territory of the Selitrennoye Settlement (the capital of the Golden Horde of XIII-XV centuries) in Astrakhan Oblast. The archeologists got help from a ground-squirrel who pushed the coins on his way from under the ground. The coins were kept in a canvas bag”, as the message goes.

      “Selitrennoye Settlement” is a monument of archeology of federal significance. The capital of the Golden Horde - the city of Sarai Al Mahrus, also known as Sarai-Batu - was located in this place during the Middle Ages. Excavations started there in 1965 and have been going on until today.