Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Archaeologists have discovered previously unknown Paleolithic and Neolithic sites in Jizzakh region, as well as around 30 ancient rock carvings depicting people, animals and symbols. Dunyo News Agency reported the discoveries, citing the British scientific online publication Heritage Daily.
The discoveries were made in September in Zaamin and Sharof Rashidov districts by specialists from the Cultural Heritage Agency of Uzbekistan and the Yahyo Gulyamov Samarkand Archaeological Institute.
Researchers identified several new Stone Age sites in the vicinity of settlements in Zaamin district.
A Paleolithic site was discovered east of the village of Acchi, while a Neolithic site was found near the village of Peshagor. Additional Neolithic artefacts were discovered in the western part of Acchi and near the village of Arja.
According to a preliminary assessment by specialists, the discovery of Paleolithic and Neolithic sites within a relatively small area indicates that ancient people repeatedly inhabited the Zaamin oasis and the adjacent slopes of the Turkestan Range.
The findings may provide additional information about the migration routes of ancient communities and how they used the region’s natural resources.
Another archaeological site was identified on the left bank of the Ravotsay River, near the village of Ravot. There, specialists recorded for the first time a complex of rock carvings made on the surfaces of shale rocks.
Around 30 petroglyphs were discovered on seven rock surfaces. They include depictions of a hunter, a mountain goat, livestock and a dog. One of the most distinctive drawings shows a hunter shooting a bow. Another image resembles a solar symbol.
Researchers suggest that the petroglyphs may have been created during different periods, ranging from the Bronze Age to the Early Middle Ages. The exact chronology of the complex will be established through further research.
Archaeologists plan to continue studying the discovered sites, carry out detailed documentation and determine their historical and cultural significance.
The materials collected will also be compared with other archaeological complexes in Central Asia.
