EKATERINBURG, December 28. /TASS/. Archeologists in Russia’s western Siberia have postponed the search of the burial site of 16th-century Cossack chieftain Yermak known as the historical conqueror of Siberia due to the lack of financing, expedition head Alexander Adamov told TASS on Monday.
"We were not included on the presidential grant list, which could provide us with a geo scanner, needed to make targeted excavations," Adamov said. "Lack of financing makes us postpone the excavations for an indefinite term."
The archeologists need equipment worth of 500,000 ($7,000) rubles to carry out the research. "We are talking with sponsors," Adamov said. "We hope to receive some help."
"We are using a map compiled in 1806 by regional land-surveyor," the scientist said.
The map was drawn up in accordance with the evidence provided by local residents, noting that Yermak’s burial place was located on a hill near a forest and ploughland. The scientists checked this information and found the hill not far from a place where, according to legends, Yermak fought his last decisive battle.
Yermak was a 16th-century Cossack chieftain who led the Russian conquest of Siberia under Tsar Ivan the Terrible. In 1581, he led a military expedition against Siberian Hagan Kuchuk, which marked the beginning of Russia’s conquest of the region. Yermak died on August 6, 1585, on the Vagai River.