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Akchakhan-Kala

Ruins of an ancient Khorezmian fortress in the desert of Beruniy district, built in the 4th–3rd century BCE and known for its painted ceremonial halls.

Archaeology4th–3rd century BCE to 2nd century CEAbout 30 minutes to see

About the place

Akchakhan-Kala is one of the fortresses of ancient Khorezm, the area now called the Fifty Fortresses oasis. It was built in the 4th or 3rd century BCE and lived on until the 2nd century CE; after that the regional capital seems to have moved to Toprak-Kala, about 14 km to the northeast.

Excavations, still going on, have uncovered a ceremonial complex with a columned hall, fragments of wall paintings, unfired clay sculpture and a fire altar painted with large figures of Zoroastrian gods. Expect open desert and mud-brick walls rather than a built-up site; it is usually visited together with Toprak-Kala.

Why go

  • One of the fortresses of ancient Khorezm
  • Wall paintings and a painted Zoroastrian fire altar found here
  • Easy to combine with Toprak-Kala nearby

Sources (3)

  1. 1.Wikidata
  2. 2.en.wikipedia.org
  3. 3.uz.wikipedia.org

Nearby

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