Medieval Cities Unearthed in Uzbekistan Mountains

Researchers have used drone-based LiDAR technology to uncover two medieval cities, Tugunbulak and Tashbulak, located in the mountains of Uzbekistan, pivotal in Silk Road trade. These cities, positioned at altitudes comparable to Machu Picchu, challenge the belief that mountains hindered trade, suggesting they were instead dynamic centers of commerce and cultural exchange. The findings, published in Nature, reveal these cities were significant urban hubs, featuring fortresses, watchtowers, and residences for tens of thousands. Rich in resources like iron ore, these cities might have been integral to weapons manufacturing and trade. The discovery highlights the role of high-altitude settlements in historical trade routes, complicating earlier views that these routes traversed only lowlands. This research emphasizes the complexity of Silk Road networks and the adaptability of medieval societies in challenging environments.