Possible eighth-century rulers' palace discovered at Mingtepa

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Architectural remains that, according to preliminary expert estimates, may belong to a palace complex of eighth-century AD rulers have been discovered during excavations at the Mingtepa archaeological site in the Jomboy District of the Samarkand Region.

The archaeological research is being conducted by staff members of the Yahya Gulyamov Samarkand Institute of Archaeology: Amriddin Berdimurodov, Khusniddin Rakhmonov, and Nigora Makhkamova.

During the fieldwork, the scientists uncovered the architectural structure of the complex, which is located in the citadel (Ark) of the ancient settlement. According to the researchers, the structure dates back to the first half of the eighth century AD.

Specialists note that the features of the construction techniques and the architectural design of the complex are of significant scientific interest and could expand understanding of urban planning, architecture, and the state governance system of the early Middle Ages.

In addition, samples of eighth-century sculpture were discovered in the hall area of the assumed palace. These finds are currently undergoing scientific study.

According to the archaeologists, the results of the research may provide new information about the political and cultural life of the Mingtepa ancient settlement, as well as the history of the region's development during the early Middle Ages.