Fibulae from the Settlement Karakabak (Mangystau Peninsula)

The paper presents the results of a study of 20 fibulae and their fragments from Karakabak, the largest settlement of this period in the Aral-Caspian region (Tupkaragan district, Mangystau region, Republic of Kazakhstan). This settlement, with finds of coins of the 3rd – 5th centuries, was located on a fortified rocky remnant and represented an important trade and craft center on the Trans-Eurasian routes. The published findings were identified by the authors using the system of A.K. Ambrose with additional information from new studies, including the ones conducted by the authors. Fibulae 1–3 have been classified as series I (2nd half of 2nd – 1st half of 3rd centuries) and II (3rd – early 4th centuries) of the group 11. Fibula 4 belongs to the group 13 (without a narrow date). Fibulae 5–6 have been classified as series I of the subgroup 3 of the group 16 (mid–4th – 6th centuries). Fibula 7 is unique and could not be used for fastening clothes. Fibulae 8–20 belong to II subgroup of the group 21, and have a single-piece thin sheet body (5th – 1st half of 6th centuries). Most analyzed fibulae reflect contacts with the North Caucasus, and relations with the Southern Urals. Apparently, the carriers of these traditions were present among the population of Karakabak.