Researchers have discovered two large ancient cities, a breakthrough that sheds more light on civilisations that existed over 1,000 years ago.
Found 2,000 metres (6,561 feet) above sea level in Uzbekistan’s mountains, the settlements were based along Asia's Silk Road, an ancient 6,400km (about 4,000 miles) long trading route.
The first re-found city, known as Tashbulak was around 12 hectares (29 acres) in size, according to experts. The second one, Tugunbulak, was 10 times bigger – in total, almost three times the size of Vatican City. This could’ve made the settlement one of the largest cities along the Silk Road.
How did the team discover these ancient cities?
A team of researchers used drone-based LiDAR (a light detection and ranging device) to reach high elevations that would be difficult to access by foot.
In simple terms, the device shoots out laser beams and then records how long the light takes to reflect back. This allows archaeologists to gauge down to the centimetre how the cities may have looked.
The images taken by the drone were converted into 3D models that the experts applied computer algorithms to. The result? Millions of lines that give hints about the buildings and structures that may have existed there.
A look inside an 11th century urban hub
The discovery has given researchers much more information about 11th-century trade along the Silk Road – particularly how bustling and urban these cities could have been. Scientists found plazas and homes that they believe may have housed travellers and traders dating back to the 6th century.
Lead researcher Dr Michael Frachetti said the study offers an alternate perspective about the enormity of the road network: “The Silk Road wasn’t just about the endpoints of China and the West.
“The mountains actually were host to major centres for interaction. Animals, ores, and other precious resources likely drove their prosperity.”
Frachetti hopes this drone technology and field work will allow experts to create more accurate maps of medieval Asia.
Note: the main image of this article features Uzbekistan, in the Karakalpakstan province. It is in a separate part of the country to where the two ancient cities have been found.
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