Uzbek archaeologists find artifacts up to 320,000 years old

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Russian and Uzbek archaeologists have discovered stone artifacts in Uzbekistan’s Tashkent region that may date back 280,000 to 320,000 years, according to preliminary geological and paleoclimatic estimates, the press service of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan said.

The finds were made during research at a paleontological site and could prove to be among the oldest known archaeological sites in Uzbekistan if their dating is confirmed.

The artifacts were discovered in the third layer of ancient fossilized soil. Scientists estimate that the layer formed approximately 320,000 to 280,000 years ago. Researchers said the finds are scientifically significant for studying the early stages of the Paleolithic in what is now Uzbekistan.

The excavations are being conducted jointly by specialists from the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Anthropology and the Institute of History of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan. Russian and Uzbek scientists have been studying the site for three years.

During this period, archaeologists had already discovered other stone artifacts at the site. However, their age could not previously be determined. The latest finds were made in layers of ancient soil for which preliminary geological and paleoclimatic assessments were possible.

According to the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, the presence of artifacts in layers belonging to different periods indicates that human settlements in the area may have developed in several stages.

Scientists consider the new finds important for studying the early stages of the Paleolithic in Uzbekistan. The materials may also be used to study the routes taken by ancient humans as they spread across Central Asia and how they adapted to changes in climatic conditions.

The artifacts’ age has not yet been conclusively established. I cannot confirm the final dating from the provided source. If the preliminary estimate is confirmed, the site could be classified among the oldest known archaeological sites in Uzbekistan.

Earlier, Uzbekistan’s Agency for Cultural Heritage reported that scientists had discovered the remains of an ancient structure dating to the 4th-5th centuries. Archaeologists found unique images of flowers on its walls.