Archaeologists have uncovered two lost cities in the mountains of Uzbekistan that played key roles along the ancient Silk Road, dating back to the 6th to 11th centuries AD. These cities, Tugunbulak and Tashbulak, are located about three miles apart in highland areas, sitting at elevations between 6,560 and 7,220 feet above sea level. Tugunbulak, the larger city, spanned about 300 acres and may have been home to tens of thousands of people, making it one of the largest cities in Central Asia at the time. Evidence suggests it was a major center for the production of steel. Tashbulak, much smaller with a population in the thousands, is notable for its large cemetery, which contains early Islamic burials, indicating the spread of Islam in the area.

Researchers used lidar technology, a laser-based mapping tool, to uncover the cities’ structures, roads, and fortifications, allowing them to explore the rough terrain more easily. Excavations at Tugunbulak have revealed kilns and furnaces, pointing to its role in steel production, while Tashbulak’s cemetery shows its cultural or religious importance. These discoveries challenge previous ideas about the Silk Road, suggesting that major centers of industry and power existed beyond the well-known cities like Samarkand.