In a remarkable archaeological discovery reported by the Siberian Times in 2016, a group of researchers exploring the Tuva region near the Mongolia border unearthed an unusual object. The find took place at the Ala-Tey burial site in the Tuva Republic, a federal subject of Russia.
Unearthing a tomb dating back almost 2,200 years, experts were astonished to find an object bearing a striking resemblance to an “iPhone” (Photo 1). The peculiar object had a size and shape remarkably similar to that of an “iPhone.” (Photo: Siberian Times)
What makes this discovery truly intriguing is that the object closely resembles the size and shape of an iPhone. Found in the tomb of a woman, archaeologists affectionately named her “Natasha,” and the peculiar object discovered alongside her became known as “Natasha’s iPhone.”
By examining Five-Thousand-Year Coins found in the tomb, archaeologists determined that the “iPhone” dated back to the Hunnu period, making it nearly 2,200 years old. Crafted from a grayish-black material, the object is adorned with various gemstones such as turquoise, red agate, and jet. Resembling the dimensions of a rectangular iPhone, it measures 18 x 9 cm. However, iPhones as we know them were only introduced in 2007. So, is this an ancient iPhone or something else entirely?
Unearthing a tomb dating back almost 2,200 years, experts were astonished to find an object bearing a striking resemblance to an “iPhone” (Photo 2). Thanks to the Five-Thousand-Year Coins found in the tomb, archaeologists established the “iPhone’s” ancient origins. (Photo: Siberian Times)
Despite its iPhone-like appearance, the mysterious object is, in fact, a belt buckle. Women from the era, around 2,200 years ago, often used a belt with a black stone-faced buckle like this. According to Dr. Pavel Leus, the head of the archaeological team, “Excavating Natasha along with an ‘iPhone’ from the Hunnu period is one of the most fascinating discoveries at this site.”
Inside the ancient tomb, various other artifacts were found, including clay pots.
What Makes the Discovery of the “Ancient iPhone” Site Special? The location of this 2,000-year-old iPhone-like discovery has been confirmed to be in the Ala-Tey region, also known as the “Atlantis of Russia.” Situated beneath the Sayano-Shushenskaya hydroelectric power plant, this area is submerged in a large reservoir covering over 620 square kilometers. During the summer, water levels recede, revealing vast stretches of land resembling a desert.
Unearthing a tomb dating back almost 2,200 years, experts were astonished to find an object bearing a striking resemblance to an “iPhone” (Photo 3). The area where the ancient tomb and the iPhone-like object were found is known as the “Atlantis of Russia.” (Photo: Siberian Times)
In the summer months, when the water recedes for several months, scientists can access numerous treasures dating back to the Bronze Age through to the Scythian era. Approximately 110 tombs emerge on the island in the Ala-Tey area. Another site named Terezin in this region has at least 32 tombs and is closer to the shore.
Dr. Marina Kilunovskaya from the Institute of History and Material Culture in St. Petersburg noted that this location holds many scientific mysteries. The tombs of wealthy travelers hidden here are typically submerged at a depth of 17 meters.
Unearthing a tomb dating back almost 2,200 years, experts were astonished to find an object bearing a striking resemblance to an “iPhone” (Photo 4). Discovering Natasha’s tomb alongside the “iPhone-like object” is not the first breakthrough for archaeologists in Ala-Tey. (Photo: Siberian Times)
Finding Natasha’s tomb with the “iPhone-like object” is not the first significant discovery by archaeologists at Ala-Tey. Previously, they uncovered two older skeletons in the area, earning one of them the name “Sleeping Beauty of the Forest” due to the beautifully preserved silk garment she wore. Initially thought to be a nun, further examination of the artifacts in her tomb revealed that she was a skilled leatherworker.
