Medieval Silk Road Cities Uncovered in Uzbekistan Mountains

Archaeologists use LiDAR technology to reveal vast high-altitude settlements, reshaping historical understanding of trade networks.

Researchers have mapped two large medieval cities, Tashbulak and Tugunbulak, located at elevations over 2,000 meters in Uzbekistan.
The cities, discovered using drone-borne LiDAR, feature hundreds of structures, including fortresses, watchtowers, and complex buildings.
These settlements challenge previous notions about urbanization, showing significant development in mountainous regions of the Silk Road.
Evidence suggests these cities were major hubs for iron production, utilizing local resources to sustain their economies.
The findings highlight the role of high-altitude cities as integral nodes in the medieval Silk Road network, facilitating trade and cultural exchanges.