Arkaim is one of the fortified settlements belonging to the 'Land of Cities' of the Middle Bronze Age. This monument of ancient civilization was located in the territory of modern Chelyabinsk region and was discovered by archaeologists in 1987. Arkaim is considered one of the most significant archaeological finds of the 20th century in Russia. Excavations revealed a city with a water-filled moat, two rings of earthen ramparts, and a central square.

The ancient city of Arkaim dates back to the 3rd and 2nd millennia BC and is situated on an elevation at the confluence of the Big Karaganka and Utyaganka rivers. The nearest settlements are the village of Amursky, 8 km away, and the village of Alexandrovsky, 2 km away. The name 'Arkaim' comes from one of the hills located 4 km south of the city and means 'ridge' or 'foundation' in Turkic.

Arkaim and the adjacent monuments from different eras have the status of a natural-landscape and historical-archaeological reserve, being a branch of the Ilmen State Reserve. The main feature of Arkaim is the moderate preservation of defensive structures and the presence of synchronous burial grounds, as well as the virtually unchanged landscape.

Arkaim is also referred to as a place of power, where powerful energy flows are concentrated. It is believed that visiting this place contributes to spiritual growth and inspiration. Researchers associate the energy of Arkaim with its location in a tectonic fault zone. Perhaps this is what attracted ancient people to build the city.

However, when visiting Arkaim, one should not expect to see ruins like those in ancient cities. Only the ramparts forming circles and remnants of former glory, which are better visible from the air, remain. The city had a circular shape with a diameter of about 170 meters. There were several dozen houses here, but one day the inhabitants left the city, burned it, and departed forever. The reasons for this remain unknown.

On the territory of Arkaim, archaeologists found clay tools, charcoal, and shards. There are more legends and assumptions about it than proven facts. Some believe that the Aryan race originated here, others think Arkaim was an observatory. There are also versions that the first horse was domesticated here and the two-wheeled cart was invented.

In the 1950s, military topographers noticed unusual circles in aerial photographs. However, a scientific expedition was organized only in 1987 when the construction of a reservoir was planned. Archaeologists, who considered the work unpromising, were surprised to discover Arkaim. Thanks to the efforts of scientists, it was possible to postpone the flooding of the steppe and preserve the city.

In 1991, large-scale excavations began under the leadership of G. B. Zdanovich. Scientists used various methods, including radiocarbon dating, and were able to recreate the appearance of ancient Arkaim. In 2016, Zdanovich returned for a new expedition, exploring the burial complex.

Arkaim consisted of a fortified city, two cemeteries, pastures, and animal enclosures. The city had a radial layout and consisted of two circular walls to which residential buildings were attached. The walls and dwellings were built of logs and clay. There was a clear division between private and public spaces, and pottery workshops and metallurgical production operated.

The central part of the city was a square, to which streets led. The inhabitants of Arkaim built stormwater drainage. Skulls from the burial grounds allowed scientists to recreate the appearance of the inhabitants, who were typical Europoids. Reconstructions can be seen in museums in Chelyabinsk and the 'Arkaim' reserve.

Similar cities and fortifications have been found over a large area, including the Chelyabinsk region, southeastern Bashkortostan, eastern Orenburg region, and northern Kazakhstan. All of them belong to the Middle Bronze Age and together form the 'Land of Cities', testifying to a developed civilization that existed here in ancient times.