Discovery of Two Extinct Silk Road Cities
Archaeologists have unearthed two long-forgotten cities, Tugonbulak and Tashbulak, in southeastern Uzbekistan, utilizing advanced lidar technology. These cities thrived during the era of the Silk Road, a crucial trade route connecting the East and West from the sixth to the eleventh century AD. The cities were located at altitudes of 2,000 to 2,200 meters and had remained obscured by dense vegetation for centuries. The findings were published in the journal Nature and mark a significant advancement in archaeological methods, showcasing how remote sensing can reveal hidden historical sites.
The Role of Lidar Technology in Archaeology
Lidar, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, employs laser pulses to measure distances and create three-dimensional maps of terrain. This innovative technology enabled researchers to penetrate thick forests and rugged landscapes, leading to the discovery of urban layouts, structures, and roads in Tugonbulak and Tashbulak. The city of Tugonbulak, in particular, is believed to have played a defensive role in protecting trade routes, as evidenced by its fortified buildings. With an area of 120 hectares, Tugonbulak was a significant urban center that facilitated trade caravans and religious missions, rivaling the renowned city of Samarkand.
Cultural Significance of Tashbulak
Tashbulak, while smaller, held substantial cultural and religious significance, especially due to its association with early Islamic cemeteries. Archaeologists discovered a large cemetery containing around 400 graves, marking it as one of the oldest documented Islamic burial sites in Uzbekistan. This finding highlights the spread of Islam in Central Asia, which began around the 7th century and was facilitated by the Silk Road. The graves serve as a testament to the cultural exchanges that occurred along this historic route, reflecting the transmission of religious beliefs and cultural symbols among ancient civilizations.
