Two medieval cities located along the ancient Silk Road in Central Asia have been discovered using drone technology. Tashbulak and Tugunbulak were once hidden beneath the mountains but have now been revealed as bustling urban centers. The research, led by anthropologist Michael Frachetti, sheds new light on the vast Silk Road network, showing that trade routes extended into the mountains of Central Asia.
The use of LiDAR technology allowed archaeologists to uncover the details of the cities, including watchtowers, fortresses, and plazas. These urban centers, located at high elevations of over 6,000 feet, are rare in Central Asia. The discovery challenges previous assumptions about the Silk Road and highlights the complexity of upland landscapes in the region.
The cities are believed to have housed a variety of communities, including craftsmen, traders, and soldiers. Radiocarbon dating indicates that both cities declined around the 11th century, possibly due to political divisions and over-exploitation of resources such as iron and fuel. Further archaeological excavations are underway to uncover more details about the decline of these settlements.
The findings have been praised as groundbreaking by experts in Silk Roads archaeology. The use of drone technology has revolutionized the study of inaccessible landscapes, providing new insights into ancient human adaptation and urban development. The discovery of Tashbulak and Tugunbulak represents a significant contribution to our understanding of the Silk Road and the civilizations that thrived along its route.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com