**The recent findings in eastern Uzbekistan are poised to transform our understanding of the Silk Road's historical significance, showcasing highland urban life during the Middle Ages.**
**Ancient Cities of the Silk Road Unearthed in Uzbekistan's Mountains**
**Ancient Cities of the Silk Road Unearthed in Uzbekistan's Mountains**
**Groundbreaking discoveries made using lidar technology reveal medieval urban settlements in high altitudes.**
Archaeologists have recently announced the exciting discovery of two medieval cities nestled in the eastern mountains of Uzbekistan, which could significantly enhance our understanding of the Silk Road's historical landscape. Traditionally, the trade routes that defined this era were believed to connect lowland cities, but cutting-edge remote sensing technology, specifically lidar, has unveiled the existence of these lesser-known highland cities.
According to the research team led by archaeologist Farhod Maksudov and Michael Frachetti of Washington University, the first city, Tugunbulak, stretches over at least 120 hectares and is situated at an impressive altitude of more than 2,000 meters (6,600 feet) above sea level. This finding has brought new insights to the history of Central Asia, given that only a small percentage of the world’s population resides at such heights today. The research team posits that these cities flourished during the 8th to 11th centuries when the region was under the influence of a prominent Turkic dynasty.
The expedition, which commenced in 2011 with the discovery of the smaller city Tashbulak, revealed evidence of urban life including burial sites and pottery shards. The validation of Tugunbulak was enabled by a local administrator’s tip-off, leading the archaeologists to remarkable discoveries of a medieval citadel beneath a contemporary home, stunning the research team.
Challenges were rampant as they faced skepticism from the academic community regarding the existence of these cities. However, equipped with drones and lidar technology, the team managed to reveal the extensive remains of walls, guard towers, and other architectural features in Tugunbulak. Researchers believe these cities were strategically chosen for their geographical advantages, potentially harnessing strong winds for iron smelting, which was a vital resource during the medieval period.
But this wealth did not come without consequences; it’s suggested that resource exploitation may have contributed to the environmental instability of the region, which previously boasted a dense juniper forest. The findings challenge historical notions that previously limited settlements to lower valley regions, with experts like Peter Frankopan from Oxford University acknowledging their significant implications on understanding interconnections across Asia during the medieval period.
Overall, these archaeologically rich sites offer vital insights into ancient societal organization in mountainous regions and their dependence on natural resources, marking a momentous advancement in the study of medieval Central Asian urbanism.
According to the research team led by archaeologist Farhod Maksudov and Michael Frachetti of Washington University, the first city, Tugunbulak, stretches over at least 120 hectares and is situated at an impressive altitude of more than 2,000 meters (6,600 feet) above sea level. This finding has brought new insights to the history of Central Asia, given that only a small percentage of the world’s population resides at such heights today. The research team posits that these cities flourished during the 8th to 11th centuries when the region was under the influence of a prominent Turkic dynasty.
The expedition, which commenced in 2011 with the discovery of the smaller city Tashbulak, revealed evidence of urban life including burial sites and pottery shards. The validation of Tugunbulak was enabled by a local administrator’s tip-off, leading the archaeologists to remarkable discoveries of a medieval citadel beneath a contemporary home, stunning the research team.
Challenges were rampant as they faced skepticism from the academic community regarding the existence of these cities. However, equipped with drones and lidar technology, the team managed to reveal the extensive remains of walls, guard towers, and other architectural features in Tugunbulak. Researchers believe these cities were strategically chosen for their geographical advantages, potentially harnessing strong winds for iron smelting, which was a vital resource during the medieval period.
But this wealth did not come without consequences; it’s suggested that resource exploitation may have contributed to the environmental instability of the region, which previously boasted a dense juniper forest. The findings challenge historical notions that previously limited settlements to lower valley regions, with experts like Peter Frankopan from Oxford University acknowledging their significant implications on understanding interconnections across Asia during the medieval period.
Overall, these archaeologically rich sites offer vital insights into ancient societal organization in mountainous regions and their dependence on natural resources, marking a momentous advancement in the study of medieval Central Asian urbanism.
