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Archaeology

Unique Artifact from Kushan Era Unearthed in Tajikistan

Archaeologists from the National Museum of Tajikistan have unearthed a rare and significant artifact, a clay vessel bearing a complete inscription in the Bactrian language, dating to the Kushan era. The discovery was made at the Khalkhajar archaeological site near the village of Sarband, according to the museum’s announcement. A Jug with a Story Excavations at Khalkhajar began on May 20 under the direction of Mirali Zamon Karimdodzoda, head of the museum’s archaeology and numismatics department. The team uncovered the remains of ancient architectural structures, including clay and brick walls with traces of whitewash and well-preserved sections of interior spaces. Most of the artifacts unearthed date back to the Kushan Empire’s peak between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD. Among the most notable finds is a two-handled clay jug, recovered in fragments and meticulously restored. What makes the vessel exceptional is its intact inscription in Bactrian, written in a distinct broken script, an exceedingly rare occurrence in Tajikistan. Deciphering the Inscription To analyze the text, the museum enlisted the expertise of internationally renowned scholars: Professor Nicholas Sims-Williams, a specialist in ancient Iranian languages, and numismatist Joe Cribb. Based on their interpretation, the inscription reads: “eiado gō(l)z[o ]sido finzo sagkino ol(o) mo(.)” Translation: “This water jug belongs to the woman Sagkina.” This simple phrase is of considerable linguistic and cultural significance. It offers a rare glimpse into everyday life and personal property practices in the Kushan period, shedding light on literacy, gender, and identity in ancient Central Asia. Cultural and Historical Significance The name “Sagkina” provides valuable material for onomastic studies and enriches understanding of female naming conventions in the region during the Kushan era. The presence of such inscriptions suggests a relatively advanced level of literacy and a societal norm of marking personal belongings, an important insight into domestic life and social organization at the time. Experts note that finds of this nature are vital for tracing the evolution of writing systems in Eastern Iran and for better understanding the intersection of language and material culture in ancient societies. Echoes of Empire The Kushan Empire was one of the most expansive and influential states in ancient Central Asia, encompassing areas of present-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, southern Uzbekistan, and parts of Tajikistan. The Bactrian language, written in a modified Greek script, served as a key medium for administration and trade, and today remains essential to reconstructing the region’s historical narrative. Archaeological efforts at Khalkhajar are ongoing. All discoveries are being catalogued for future public exhibition at the National Museum of Tajikistan, where the inscribed jug will take pride of place as a symbol of the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Archaeology

Kazakh Archaeologists Uncover Scythian-Era Treasures

Archaeologists from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University have uncovered artifacts from the Scythian era in Kazakhstan’s Almaty region, including a rare gold ring weighing nearly eight grams. A Symbol of Power and Authority The excavations took place in the Uyghur district near the village of Togyzbulak and were led by Professor Dosbol Baigunakov, dean of the university’s history department. The team studied the Togyzbulak-1 and Togyzbulak-2 burial mound complexes, which contain more than 20 ancient burial sites. Among the most notable discoveries were burial mounds No. 3 and No. 4, which contained the remains of a man and a woman, along with ceramic vessels, iron and stone artifacts, and gold jewelry. The standout find was a gold ring engraved with a lion, a symbol of strength and authority. Researchers believe the image combines human and animal traits, reflecting the spiritual worldview of the Saka tribes in the 3rd-4th centuries BC. “These findings confirm that the territory of the modern Uyghur region was a cultural center of the Saka civilization,” the university said in a statement. Ruins of a Burned City [caption id="attachment_33402" align="aligncenter" width="931"] Image: Al-Farabi National University[/caption] Separately, a potentially groundbreaking discovery has been made in the Zhetysu region. Olga Gumirova, executive director of the Petroglyph Hunters Foundation, reported the discovery of ruins from a medieval city previously known only through historical texts. Archaeologists unearthed remnants of a tower, fragments of brick walls, and traces of fire, suggesting the city may have been destroyed during the Mongol invasion. While further research is ongoing, early comparisons are being drawn to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Talkhiz and Koylyk. A month earlier, archaeologists from the Saryarka Archaeological Institute discovered 25 historical and cultural sites in the Shet district of the Karaganda region. These include burial mounds, necropolises, and complexes dating to the Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Middle Ages. According to the institute’s director, Alexei Kukushkin, this marks the beginning of an extensive research campaign, with formal dating pending excavation approvals. The “Golden Man” and Buddhist Relics One of the most significant archaeological discoveries in recent years is the 2018 find in the Tarbagatay district of East Kazakhstan, where over 3,000 gold artifacts were unearthed in a burial site. Led by renowned archaeologist Zainolla Samashev, the expedition found women’s bell earrings, gemstone necklaces, and ornate horse adornments dating to the 7th-8th centuries BC, treasures of exceptional artistic and historical value. Another major discovery occurred in the Ayranada Gorge in the Merken district, where archaeologists found fragments of an ancient Buddhist temple and a carved stone head of Buddha. Anna Krokosheva, senior researcher at the Museum of Ancient Taraz, noted that the find reinforces the region’s historical importance along the Silk Road. Despite the site’s remote location at over 3,000 meters above sea level, the artifacts are well-preserved and could enhance scientific and cultural tourism in southern Kazakhstan.

Archaeology

Ruins of a Burned Medieval City Unearthed in Southern Kazakhstan

Archaeologists in Kazakhstan may have uncovered the ruins of a long-lost medieval city previously known only from historical texts. The discovery was announced by Olga Gumirova, executive director of the Petroglyph Hunters Foundation. Tower, Masonry, and a Burned Past The remains were found in the Zhetysu region, and experts believe the site could be as archaeologically significant as Talkhiz or Koylyk, both of which are included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. "It looks like we've found the medieval city that everyone has been looking for! First, we saw the remains of brickwork in a quarry, a miraculously preserved tower, and then a wall... Medieval bricks protruded from the ground. The city was severely burned during the Mongol invasion," Gumirova wrote on Facebook. Archaeologists have been informed, though analysis and discussion are just beginning. Talkhiz, now part of the Almaty region, was established in the 8th century as a hub of trade and industry. Koylyk, also known as Antonovskoe, thrived from the 8th to 14th centuries. Both are recognized as cultural heritage sites of global significance. Twenty-Five New Sites in the Saryarka Steppes Meanwhile, archaeologists from the Saryarka Archaeological Institute made significant discoveries in the Shet district of Karaganda region. In May 2025, researchers uncovered 25 new historical and cultural sites, including burial mounds, necropolises, and complex structures from the Bronze, Iron, and Medieval Ages. “Work is just beginning, but we can already confidently speak about the importance of the finds,” said Alexei Kukushkin, director of the institute. Dating and full excavation await official approval. Eastern Kazakhstan’s “Golden Man” A remarkable earlier discovery occurred in 2018 in the Tarbagatai district of East Kazakhstan. An expedition led by archaeologist Zeynolla Samashev uncovered a burial site containing nearly 3,000 gold artifacts dating back to the 7th-8th centuries BCE. Items included women’s earrings, gemstone necklaces, and ornate horse gear, highlighting the artistic and cultural richness of the era. Buddhist Temple Found in Zhambyl Region In another discovery underscoring Kazakhstan’s diverse historical legacy, archaeologists unearthed the remains of a Buddhist temple in the Ayranada Gorge, Merken district, Zhambyl region. Fragments of a structure and a partially buried stone sculpture of a Buddha were found, reinforcing the area's importance along the Great Silk Road. “The Buddhist temple and the head of Buddha could become interesting tourist attractions,” said Anna Krokosheva, senior researcher at the Museum of Ancient Taraz. However, the site remains difficult to access, located at over 3,000 meters above sea level with no existing infrastructure. Krokosheva noted that this inaccessibility has helped preserve the artifacts. From steppe burial mounds to ancient ruins, Buddhist temples to gold-laden tombs, Kazakhstan continues to reveal a rich, multilayered historical narrative. The recently discovered city in Zhetysu may become a vital link in this story, an archaeological treasure of national and potentially global significance. What remains hidden beneath the soil may yet reshape our understanding of medieval Kazakhstan.

Archaeology

Uzbek-Chinese Team Uncovers Han Dynasty Relics

A joint archaeological team from China and Uzbekistan has unearthed significant cultural relics at the Mengchaktepa site in Uzbekistan. Among the discoveries are silk fragments, coins, and a bronze mirror dating back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220). The excavation uncovered six tombs and two buildings. These findings could provide deeper insights into the Silk Road during the Wei (220-265), Jin (265-420), and Northern and Southern Dynasties (386-589). This marks the first discovery of silk at Mengchaktepa or anywhere in the Fergana Valley in nearly 40 years. The last such finding, in the 1980s, confirmed that the silk was produced in China. Since 2012, the China-Uzbekistan archaeological team has focused on excavating Mengchaktepa, uncovering relics that underscore frequent trade and cultural exchanges in the region. The area excavated in 2024 is located in the northwest corner of the site. Research from 1986 indicated that this part of the site was contemporaneous with the Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties in China. Liu Tao, a member of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and leader of the archaeological team, noted that silk fragments were discovered near the tibia of a tomb skeleton. These fragments are believed to be remnants of trousers. Further studies are underway to confirm the silk’s origin. Copper coins were also recovered, including one too rusted to identify markings. Researchers determined it to be a Chinese-style coin featuring a circular shape with a square hole, reflecting Chinese cultural influence. Both the silk and coins have been sent to a laboratory for detailed analysis, with results expected in 2025. The six tombs excavated feature unique designs distinct from ancient Chinese tombs. They employed reed coffins, constructed using locally available reed stalks braided and wrapped with wood. This adaptation likely utilized materials sourced near the Syr Darya River. However, the tomb structures resemble those of Central China. They include passages, adobe-sealed doors, and cave chambers. One of the larger tombs measures 3 meters wide, 4 meters long, and 2 meters high. It features an arched ceiling, steps connecting the passage to the chamber, and an adobe gate. Cave chamber tombs first appeared during the Warring States Period (475-221 BC) and became prominent during the Han Dynasty. The Times of Central Asia previously reported that this team had unearthed seven tombs, two buildings, and numerous artifacts, including silk fabrics, leather goods, bronze mirrors, square-holed coins, and beads at Mengchaktepa. These findings continue to shed light on the rich cultural and trade connections between Central Asia and China in ancient times.

Science

Archaeologists Uncover Rare Silk Road Artifacts in Uzbekistan

A joint archaeological expedition from China and Uzbekistan has made remarkable discoveries at Mengchaktepa, a key Silk Road site located on the northern bank of the Syr Darya River. Known as the “Living Fossil of the Silk Road,” the site has been under investigation by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) and Uzbekistan’s Institute of Archaeology since 2012. The team, led by CASS archaeologist Liu Tao, unearthed seven tombs, two buildings, and numerous artifacts, including silk fabrics, leather goods, bronze mirrors, square-holed coins, and beads. Among the most significant finds are silk fragments, the first such discovery in the region since 1986, which bridges a 40-year gap in the study of ancient silk in the Ferghana Valley. According to Liu, these silk fragments highlight the advanced weaving techniques of antiquity. Abdulhamidjon Anarbayev, a professor at Uzbekistan's National Center for Archaeology, praised the Chinese team’s contributions to advancing Uzbekistan’s field archaeology through modern excavation and preservation methods. He noted that the research underscores the high standards of Chinese archaeology globally. Mengchaktepa holds immense value for studying cultural connections along the Silk Road. Ancient Chinese chronicles from the Qin and Han dynasties (221 BC–220 AD) describe how Zhang Qian, an emissary of the Western Han dynasty, established trade links between China and Central Asia. Through Dayuan, the ancient region corresponding to the modern Ferghana Valley, silk, paper, and Chinese technology reached Europe, while grapes and alfalfa were introduced to China. Excavations at Mengchaktepa have been ongoing since 1986. Early discoveries included nine cave tombs containing well-preserved remains, silk garments, and jewelry from the 5th to 8th centuries. This year, researchers are focusing on the necropolis’s scope, tomb structures, and their artifacts, with special attention to preserving organic materials like silk, leather, and reeds for laboratory analysis. Liu explained that the findings provide new insights into the region’s early medieval funerary practices, belief systems, and architectural traditions. Artifacts such as Han-style objects and relics linked to Zoroastrianism affirm Mengchaktepa’s pivotal role in East-West cultural exchanges along the Silk Road.

Archaeology

85-Million-Year-Old Dinosaur Fossils Discovered in Tajikistan’s Sughd Region

Dinosaur fossils estimated to be 85 million years old have been discovered in Tajikistan's Sughd region. The excavation took place in the village of Kansai, a renowned paleontological site known for its rich array of prehistoric animals, including ancient lizards, turtles, crocodiles, amphibians, and fish from the Cretaceous period. The expedition, organized by Russian and Tajik scientists, builds on Kansai’s long-standing significance in paleontology. In the 1960s, Soviet scientist Anatoly Rozhdestvensky and his team uncovered numerous dinosaur remains, including a therizinosaur femur. In the 1980s, Lev Nesov identified traces of mammals from the Cretaceous period. This year, a team led by Associate Professor Pavel Skuchas from St. Petersburg State University has expanded research in Kansai, focusing on smaller vertebrates. Tajik researchers, including Umed Nabiev, a master’s student in paleontology, and ecologist Gafurjon Karimov, joined the excavation. The fossils were excavated from the walls of a large canyon containing Upper Cretaceous sediment layers, where the team found remains of lizards, salamanders, frogs, and fish. “We used a washing technique to carefully extract even the smallest bones and teeth,” Nabiev explained, noting that a special adhesive was applied to the rock to protect these fragile finds. Among the larger discoveries were crocodile and turtle shells, as well as the bones of an 85 million-year-old dinosaur. Further research will determine which parts of the dinosaur’s body these bones belonged to. The excavation is set to resume next May, and scientists plan to explore new canyon sections previously mined for cement production. “Previously, the remains of large animals have been studied quite well, while the remains of smaller animals, such as amphibians and reptiles, have been neglected. In our next expedition, we will also search for small vertebrates,” Nabiev added. Tajikistan has seen several significant archaeological discoveries in recent years. In 2023, artifacts unearthed at the Oshkhon site in the Eastern Pamirs indicated human presence dating back about 14,000 years. In 2021, a joint Tajik-German expedition in the village of Khushdilon (Torbulak) near Danghara district uncovered the remains of a Hellenistic sanctuary dating from the 3rd to 1st centuries B.C. These findings continue to expand the historical and cultural understanding of the region.