In brief
The discovery of Tugunbulak and Tashbulak, two ancient cities situated over 2,000 meters above sea level in Uzbekistan, transforms our understanding of the Silk Road and medieval urban life. Using advanced lidar technology, researchers uncovered evidence of vibrant settlements that thrived between the 8th and 11th centuries, raising new questions about the historical significance of high-altitude urbanism in the region.
The archaeological landscape of Central Asia has taken a significant turn with the recent discovery of medieval cities nestled in the mountains of eastern Uzbekistan. These findings, led by Farhod Maksudov from Uzbekistan's National Center of Archaeology and Michael Frachetti from Washington University in St. Louis, reframe historical interpretations of the storied Silk Road, known for its lowland trade routes facilitating the interchange of goods and ideas.Recent utilization of a remote-sensing method known as lidar, which employs reflected light to generate 3D maps of the terrain, revealed the existence of at least two cities—Tugunbulak, which encompasses over 120 hectares, and another smaller settlement named Tashbulak. Notably, these ancient sites are situated at elevational heights exceeding 2,000 meters, an area previously deemed unsuitable for habitation."The history of Central Asia is now changing with this finding," stated Maksudov, emphasizing the potential implications of these discoveries. Archaeologists believe that Tugunbulak and Tashbulak were significant urban centers during the Middle Ages, spanning from the 8th to the 11th centuries under the dominion of a prominent Turkic dynasty. This revelation challenges the conventional understanding that urban development primarily occurred in lower altitudes, as today only 3% of the global population resides above such heights.The expedition that led to these findings began in 2011 when the team, while exploring the mountainous terrain, came upon evidence of Tashbulak, including burial grounds and numerous pottery shards. Despite initial skepticism from the academic community regarding the site's significance, subsequent research revealed much more than just a basic settlement.In an intriguing development in 2015, a local forestry administrator prompted further exploration near Tashbulak. Upon visiting the site, the researchers were astonished to discover that the official's home was built on an extensive medieval citadel.In 2022, the research team employed a drone outfitted with a lidar sensor that proved instrumental in unearthing urban structures—including walls, towers, and detailed architectural components—at Tugunbulak. The teams speculate that the area’s local topography, characterized by strong winds, might have assisted these communities in smelting iron ores, leading to their economic prosperity.However, this advantageous position may have contributed to their decline, as excessive deforestation likely destabilized the environment, resulting in increased incidences of flash floods and avalanches. "Whoever had iron in their hands in medieval times was very powerful," remarked Maksudov, reflecting on the potential ramifications of resource exploitation on the settlements.These findings have garnered attention from historians and archaeologists alike. Peter Frankopan, a professor at Oxford University, applauded the discovery as an incredible testament to the deep interconnections throughout Asia, as well as the ancient communities' ecological impacts.As the narrative of central Eurasian urbanism continues to evolve, the insights gained from Tugunbulak and Tashbulak significantly enhance the scholarly comprehension of high-altitude settlements, sparking further research into the region's vibrant historical tapestry.
