Lost Silk Road cities discovered in Uzbek mountains
Mar 15, 2025
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Hidden within the rugged mountains of eastern Uzbekistan, a remarkable discovery has rewritten the history of the Silk Road. Archaeologists have unearthed the remains of two ancient cities, challenging our long-held understanding of this vital trade route.
For centuries, the Silk Road was envisioned as a network of bustling urban centers nestled in lowlands, facilitating the exchange of goods and ideas between East and West. However, recent findings reveal a more complex story, one that extends beyond the familiar plains.
These newly discovered cities, Tugunbulak and Tashbulak, stand as testaments to the ingenuity and adaptability of past civilizations. Perched high in the mountains, these settlements, thriving between the 8th and 11th centuries, demonstrate that urban life flourished even in challenging, high-altitude environments.
Tugunbulak, a sprawling metropolis spanning over 120 hectares, sits at a breathtaking altitude of over 2,000 meters (6,600 ft). Its existence challenges traditional assumptions about urban development, showcasing the resilience and resourcefulness of its inhabitants.
The discovery of these cities, made possible through the use of drones and advanced remote sensing technology, sheds light on the lives and resourcefulness of nomadic communities. These cities, rich in iron ore, likely utilized the wind for smelting, a process crucial for the production of tools and weapons.
The discovery of these high-altitude urban centers, a rarity in archaeological records, unveils a previously unknown chapter in the history of the Silk Road. It highlights the adaptability of ancient civilizations, their ability to thrive in challenging environments, and their ingenuity in harnessing the power of nature to fuel their prosperity.
This revelation compels us to reconsider our understanding of the Silk Road, recognizing its vastness and the intricate web of interconnectedness that defined its history. These cities, long hidden from view, are now emerging as powerful testaments to the dynamism and resilience of past civilizations, inviting us to explore a new dimension of their story.
