Studies of Pre-Mongol Bulgar Burials in the Territory of the Astrakhan Oblast

The funeral ceremonial features traced in three Bulgar burials, which have been discovered during archaeological excavations on the burial grounds named "Shchuchii", "Posol'skii" and "Kovyl'nyi" (Astrakhan oblast), are discussed in the article. The burials are dated, respectively, to the early 10th century, the early 9th century, and the late 8th – early 9th centuries. The funeral gifts include mainly ceramic vessels. The "Posol'skii" burial site also yielded jewelry and weapon fragments (bow plates). In two burials ("Posol'skii" and "Kovyl'nyi"), sheep bones were recorded. The burials apparently reflect the process of the Bulgars settling in the southern direction to the Lower Volga river area, up to its deltaic part