The ancient city was discovered by archaeologists of Tajikistan. Scientists attribute it to the period of the Kushan kingdom. During the excavations, not only buildings were found, but also the throne of the rulers, as well as many coins, jewelry, and ceramics.
85 kilometers south of Dushanbe. It looks like an ordinary village at the foot of the mountains. In fact, this area is special. There is an ancient city on the top of the mountains.
This is the citadel site where we are, and this year we have excavated a large throne room.
The throne room, explains the head of the expedition, Davladkhoja Dovudi, was built in a special way. The walls are almost three meters wide, and they were covered with plaster. But this is not the only discovery. For the first time in one season, archaeologists have discovered 65 coins at once.
“We found a lot of Kushan coins. They are almost ubiquitous. Including found two hoards of coins of the Kushan kings. These rulers ruled in the 1st - 2nd centuries BC. These findings provide material on the dating of this settlement, that it existed in 102 centuries AD, that is, 2000 - 1800 years ago,”said Davladkhoja Dovudi, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Head of the Department of Archeology and Numismatics of the National Museum of Tajikistan.
Two hoards of coins were found here. This room served as a barn, archaeologists say: they found hums on the floor - special vessels for storing grain. It was assumed that the owner was well-to-do.
“We found six hums here, one and a half meters high. Almost all of them are well preserved, they even show an ornament made by ancient masters. This is a rare find,”said Alisheo Kayumzoda, an employee of the National Museum of Tajikistan.
In this city two thousand years ago, the rich could well have lived, archaeologists say. The Great Silk Road passed here. The houses were also spacious and well-equipped.
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This is a whole residential complex. It consists of six rooms. In this room people used to offer prayer. Scientists suggest that this is nothing more than the Altar of Fire.
And here was the kitchen: the dishes were preserved. Volunteers helped scientists find these artifacts. Local residents willingly took up shovels and brushes.
“I live in a village near the settlement. When I found out that the archaeologists had begun excavations, I immediately came to the rescue. This is our story. I would like to know more about her,”admitted local resident Khisrav Manonov.
This land, archaeologists are sure, keeps many more secrets. Therefore, excavations will continue next year.