Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/. ‘Mongolian Archaeology’ annual meeting of the Association of the Mongolian Archaeologists was held on December 29 via teleconferencing.

A total of 23 archaeological studies covering various periods from the Stone Age to the XVII century and entire territory of Mongolia were presented during the online event and best archaeological discoveries for 2020 were selected. Despite the limited international cooperation due to COVID-19 pandemic, Mongolian archaeologists successfully performed a number of archaeological excavations and explorations on their own in 2020.

Excavation and research works of an old city, which is considered to be remains of Luut (Luncheng), the capital of Khunnu Empire (Xiongnu Empire), discovered on the territory of Ulziit soum of Arkhangai aimag was named as the best archaeological discovery in 2020. Significant archaeological findings have been discovered thanks to a long-time research and excavation conducted by an archaeological research team led by Instructor at Ulaanbaatar State University, Associate Professor T.Iderkhangai. Excavations found the remains of a structure that was decorated with an ancient chinese characters inscription stating, “Son of Heaven” which is the first evidence found within the region to suggest the site is the Dragon City of Luncheng, of the Khunnu Empire.

The Association of Mongolian Archaeologists awarded the second place 2020 research project of the year to Dr. Enkhtur (Institute of Archaeology, Mongolian Academy of Sciences) and his team for their archaeological salvage work in Arkhangai aimag. Cash prize of MNT 5 million to the select best works was sponsored by Member of Parliament L.Enkh-Amgalan.

Mongolian University of Science and Technology’s Professor Bat-Erdene's photograph was awarded with distinction at the annual conference. His photo displays numerous types of Bronze Age burials and ritual complexes in a stark, arid landscape.