A research team composed of Uzbek and Chinese archaeologists made an unprecedented discovery by identifying thousand - year old city walls and structures at the ancient Silk Road hub of Kuva, a historic centre in Eastern Uzbekistan’s Fergana Valley, evolving from a fortified Silk Road stop to a city known for its gardens, orchards, and cultural heritage, including textiles, revealing continuous use and modifications from the 3rd century BC to the 10th century AD.
Chinese team head, Liu Bin said that the discoveries also include other significant vestiges including palace remains, city gates, treets, foundation of houses and even workshops, providing key insights into the site’s adaptation and vital role in trade and culture and according to the Chinese Xinhua New Agency the find sheds new light on the history of a very important Silk Road settlement.
The archaeological site covers about 110.000 square metres and also for its size is confirmed that it was a very strategic, relevant hub on the trade route that connected different part of Asia, including with lands settled by China’s Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220CE), China’s second imperial dynasty, protagonist of a golden era that solidified Chinese culture, governance, and identity, establishing the foundations for later dynasties.
The archaeologists determined that the walls underwent several modifications over the centuries both in their configuration and function. Adobe bricks and mud bricks were used for the main building, confirming the continuous use of different materials from the third century BC. to the tenth century AD.
Chinese team head noted that the prolonged use and repeated modifications of the walls reveal the enduring vitality, adaptability and complex functions of this important centre. As he emphasized, the evolution of construction techniques provides crucial information for the study of architectural practices, the choice of material and the cultural influences of different periods.
Key Discoveries & Features:
• Kuva Site: A major Silk Road City in the Fergana Valley, Eastern Uzbekistan, connected to China’s Han Dynasty.
• City Walls: Repeatedly modified using adobe and mud bricks, showing continuous habitation.
• Structures: Findings of a palace, city gates, streets, houses, and workshops were discovered.
• Chronology: Evidence spans from the 3rd century BC to the 10th century AD, highlighting long - term significance.
• Ongoing Work: Recent excavations focused on the northern gate and moat area, with plans for palace complex exploration.
Significance:
• Silk Road Hub: The discovery confirms Kuva’s importance as a key centre for trade and cultural exchange.
• Architectural Insights: Reveals evolving construction techniques, material choiceds, and cultural influences that sheds new light on the history of this Central Asian settlement.
