Russian archaeologists have found the burial site of the Jurchen people in Primorsky Territory. 

      The Jurchens were a Tungusic people that inhabited the present-day northwest China, then known as Manchuria, until the 17th c. when they adopted the name of Manchu. They were breeding the cattle, traded with China and Japan and even had a unique language that survived in its spoken form. 

      The traces of their living sites have previously been found by archaeologists. It was established, for instance, that the Jurchen were Buddhist, but never before did the scientists come across the Jurchen burial ground. 

      The burial ground consisting of 15 graves was found this week in Partizansky Region of Primorye. It dates back to 12-13 c. and consists of a chieftain's grave placed in the centre, with 14 servants' graves nearby. All graves contained pots with ashes, prompting the scentists to conclude that the Jurchens cremated the dead people's corpses.

      The chieftain's grave also contained a quiver with arrows and a bent sword. The archaeologists propose that the sword was purposely bent, to signify that the owner would no longer need it in earthly life. The proposition is based on the fact that swords were usually inherited by successors; in the case with Partizansky burial ground, the chieftain may have been a significant figure, thus his sword accompanied him on his last journey.

      The archaeologists plan to return to Primorye in 2013 when they will attempt to establish, if this was a singular burial ground, or if it was a part of a larger burial site. The scientists underline the fact that among many Jurchen living sites this was the first real burial ground, which makes it a special highlight of the Russian archaeological season.