Tajik archaeologists discovered an ancient settlement 85 kilometres south of Dushanbe
We are now in the stronghold settlement. This year, we excavated a big throne room.
Tajik archaeologists discovered an ancient settlement in an area 85 kilometres south of Dushanbe. The settlement is dated back to the era of the Kushan Empire. Archaeologists discovered facilities and an emperors’ throne. According to expedition leader Davlatkhoja Dovudi, special methods were used in the construction of this hall. The three meters wide walls are covered with plaster. It is not the only discovery as archaeologists found a large number of coins as well.
DAVLATKHOJA DOVUDI, DOCTOR OF HISTORICAL SCIENCES:
- We discovered many Kushan coins. They can be found almost everywhere. We also discovered two coin treasures of Kushan emperors. These emperors ruled in the 1st to 2nd centuries BC. These findings prove that this settlement existed in the 1st to 2nd centuries AD.
According to the archaeologists, the treasures were discovered in a room that served as a barn. The coins were kept in special vessels designed for grain storage.
ALISHER KAYUMZODA, STAFF, NATIONAL MUSEUM OF TAJIKISTAN:
- We discovered six vessels which are 1.5 meters high. Almost all of them are well-preserved. We can see the ornament created by ancient artisans. It is a rare discovery.
According to scientists, the Great Silk Road passed through this settlement 2,000 years ago. The settlers were rich people as their houses were spacious and furnished. For example, this residential compound consists of six rooms. One of the rooms served as the prayer room while another room was a kitchen with well-preserved dishes. Local residents helped the scientists discover many artefacts.
KHISRAV MANONOV, LOCAL RESIDENT:
- I live in a locality not far from the settlement. Once I learned that archaeologists started excavating, I arrived here to help. It is our history and I want to know more about it.
Archaeologists believe that this land keeps many secrets. They will continue the excavations next year.