In brief
The discovery of highland cities Tugunbulak and Tashbulak in Uzbekistan reveals new insights into Silk Road history, showcasing medieval life at high altitudes with potential environmental consequences.
The discovery of two medieval cities in eastern Uzbekistan's mountainous terrain marks a profound shift in our understanding of the ancient Silk Road. Traditionally perceived as a lowland trade route connecting East and West, the newly identified cities—Tugunbulak and Tashbulak—are located over 2,000m (6,600 ft) above sea level. This revelation, made possible by the advanced remote-sensing technology known as lidar, indicates that highland communities were, in fact, part of the trade network between the 8th and 11th centuries, during a period ruled by a powerful Turkic dynasty.Archaeologist Farhod Maksudov emphasizes that this finding transforms perspectives on Central Asian history. Initially discovered in 2011, Tashbulak was found to contain burial sites and pottery remnants. Later, a tip from a local forestry official led researchers to Tugunbulak, revealing an impressive urban landscape complete with walls and guard towers, all recently mapped using lidars.Researchers suggest that these communities may have harnessed local winds for iron smelting, evident in preliminary excavations of production kilns. However, the environmental impact of such resources may have contributed to their decline. Expert Peter Frankopan notes the significance of these findings, which highlight the once-overlooked high-altitude settlements and their integral role in medieval trade and resource management in Asia.The discoveries provide a unique glimpse into the lifestyles of nomadic cultures and challenge long-standing assumptions about settlement patterns along the Silk Road.
