Hidden Cities of the Silk Road: Drones Reveal Ancient Urban Centers in Uzbekistan
Researchers have uncovered the secrets of two massive ancient cities hidden in the mountains of Uzbekistan,shedding new light on the history of the Silk Road.
Using drone-based lidar technology, archaeologists have mapped the medieval cities of Tashbulak and Tugunbulak,revealing intricate urban structures of significant importance to the Silk Road’s history. This groundbreaking research, published in Nature, marks the first time drone lidar has been usedin Central Asia for archaeological purposes.
Unveiling the Lost Cities
The team, led by Michael Frachetti, Professor of Archaeology at Washington University in St. Louis, and Farhod Maksudov, Director of the NationalCenter of Archaeology in Uzbekistan, uncovered the true scale and layout of these cities, which are among the largest known settlements in the mountainous region of the Silk Road.
These cities are a testament to the remarkable ingenuity and resilience of peopleliving in harsh environments, said Frachetti. They demonstrate that urban life was not confined to the plains and valleys, but flourished in the mountains as well.
The Power of Drone Lidar
The high-resolution scans provided by drone lidar have revealed detailed views of plazas, fortifications, roads, and residentialareas that shaped the lives and economies of highland communities, merchants, and travelers from the 6th to the 11th centuries.
A Thriving Mountain Civilization
Located at elevations of 2,000 to 2,200 meters (comparable to Machu Picchu in Peru), thesecities stand as exceptional examples of thriving mountain urbanization. Their discovery challenges conventional understandings of Silk Road settlements and highlights the importance of mountainous regions in the development of ancient trade networks.
A New Era of Archaeological Exploration
This discovery marks a significant advancement in archaeological exploration. Drone lidar technology offers a powerful tool for uncovering hidden structures andlandscapes, providing unprecedented insights into the past. The potential for future discoveries using this technology in Central Asia and beyond is immense.
References:
- Frachetti, M., Maksudov, F., et al. (2024). Drone Lidar Reveals Two Large Medieval Cities in the Mountains of Uzbekistan. Nature.
Images:
- Composite Lidar View of Tugunbulak: Courtesy of SAIElab/J.Berner/M.Frachetti
- Drone Image of Tugunbulak Mountain: Courtesy of Michael Frachetti
- Drone Image of Mountains in Tugunbulak: Courtesyof Michael Frachetti
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