Recent research using drones has uncovered two medieval cities that were once major hubs on the ancient Silk Road in southeastern Uzbekistan. The cities, Tashbulak and Tugunbulak, were previously hidden beneath the mountains of Central Asia, but now have been revealed using LiDAR technology. These cities were fortified and important centers for trade along the Silk Road network.
Led by Michael Frachetti, professor of anthropology at Washington University in St. Louis, the team of archaeologists found that these cities were once bustling urban centers, despite their isolation and high elevation. The discovery challenges the traditional understanding of the Silk Road, showing that the trade routes were more extensive than previously believed.
The drone technology used allowed for the detailed mapping of the cities, revealing structures such as watchtowers, fortresses, and marketplaces. These findings shed light on the complexity of upland urban landscapes in Central Asia. The research also suggests that the cities may have been involved in metal production and over-exploitation of nearby forest resources, leading to their decline in the 11th century.
Tim Williams, a professor of silk roads archaeology at University College London, highlighted the significance of the findings in enhancing our understanding of ancient landscapes and human adaptation. Frachetti hopes that ongoing archaeological excavations will provide more insight into the reasons for the decline of these once thriving cities.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com