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Image Credit: Xinhua News Agency
Ancient City Walls Unearthed at a Key Silk Road Center in Uzbekistan
Archaeologists from China and Uzbekistan have uncovered ancient city walls at the site of Kuva in eastern Uzbekistan, revealing a long sequence of construction and modification spanning from the 3rd century BC to the 10th century AD. The discovery offers new insights into the development and resilience of a major Silk Road settlement.
The site lies in the Fergana Valley and covers approximately 110,000 square meters. Kuva was historically a prominent urban center on the Silk Road, facilitating long-distance trade and cultural exchange across Central Asia. Archaeological and historical evidence link the city to the ancient polity of Dayuan, known from early Chinese historical records.
Since 2023, joint fieldwork has documented substantial architectural remains, including city walls, gates, palace structures, residential foundations, streets, and workshops. Recent excavations have focused on the northern gate and adjacent moat, where stratified evidence indicates repeated rebuilding and functional adaptation over many centuries.
Analysis shows that the walls were constructed using adobes and mud bricks and were repeatedly altered in layout and purpose. This long-term use underscores Kuva’s enduring importance and adaptability as a regional hub, while also providing valuable material for studying architectural techniques, material choices, and cultural influences across different historical periods.
Additional surveys in the eastern sector of the palace complex revealed foundation trenches and a surrounding moat, contributing critical data for reconstructing the city’s overall plan. Further systematic excavations are planned to clarify the complete layout and functional zones of the ancient city.
Published on: 10-01-2026
Edited by: Abdulmnam Samakie
Source: Xinhua News Agency