Kurgans are ancient burial mounds found primarily in the Eurasian steppes. They were constructed by various nomadic cultures, particularly the Scythians and Sarmatians, from the Bronze Age to the early Iron Age. These mounds often contain graves, artifacts, and sometimes even entire burial chambers, reflecting the customs and beliefs of the people who built them. The construction of kurgans typically involved piling earth and stones over a burial site, creating a prominent feature in the landscape. Archaeologists study kurgans to gain insights into the social structures, rituals, and daily lives of ancient societies, as well as their interactions with neighboring cultures.