archaeologists have discovered a drowned medieval city beneath the waters of a salt lake in northeast Kyrgyzstan.
The location was an critically important stop on one of the Silk Roads between China and the West during medieval times. But it’s thought a city there was struck by a major earthquake in the 15th century, causing it to sink beneath the water.
Now,researchers have found the remains of the drowned city while exploring submerged sites in Lake Issyk-Kul,high in the Tian Shan mountains near Kyrgyzstan’s border with Kazakhstan,according to a statement from the Russian Geographical Society.
Sunken city
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According to the official website of the President of kyrgyzstan, the city is believed to be the ancient settlement of Barskoon, which flourished between the 13th and 14th centuries.
“Barskoon was at the crossroads of the Silk Road,” said Tamira Akimatova, an archaeologist at the Institute of History and archaeology of Kyrgyzstan, in the statement. “It was a major trading center.”
Archaeologists have been exploring the site as 2013, and have uncovered the remains of buildings, streets and even a large necropolis, or burial ground, containing the remains of Muslim individuals. The discovery provides valuable insights into the lives of people who lived along the Silk Road centuries ago.
The earthquake that caused the city to sink is thought to have been one of several major seismic events that have struck the region throughout history.Lake Issyk-Kul is located in a seismically active zone, and earthquakes are common in the area.
Sunken City off Egyptian coast Reveals Medieval Muslim Trade Hub
Archaeological investigations off the coast of Egypt have uncovered the remains of a well-preserved medieval city, indicating a thriving Muslim trade center between the 11th and 14th centuries. The discovery sheds light on the region’s rich maritime history and the extent of commercial activity during that period.
Discovery and Location
The submerged city lies in the waters near the port city of Alexandria, Egypt. Researchers, led by a team from the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology (IEASM), have been systematically exploring the site, revealing evidence of a bustling urban center. The city’s submersion is believed to be the result of a combination of rising sea levels and potential seismic activity, common occurrences in the Mediterranean region.
Evidence of a Thriving Muslim Community
The archaeological findings strongly suggest the city was a meaningful hub for Muslim traders and residents. According to a statement released by the IEASM, the city’s character was defined by a preference for trade within the Muslim world. This is supported by the abundance of artifacts indicative of Muslim culture and commerce.
Among the discoveries are numerous pieces of medieval Muslim pottery, including a remarkably well-preserved khum, a large water jar used for storage and transport.researchers plan to carefully raise the khum during a future expedition for further study. The presence of such artifacts provides tangible evidence of the city’s cultural identity and economic activities.Live Science provides further details on the pottery finds.
Burials and City Infrastructure
Three burials were discovered near the main city area, though thes are believed to predate the Islamic period and belong to an earlier, non-Islamic cemetery. The team also uncovered the remains of mud-brick buildings, indicating a significant urban settlement. Underwater drilling and sediment core analysis are being used to reconstruct the city’s growth over time, providing insights into its growth, prosperity, and eventual decline.
Significance of the Find
This discovery is significant for several reasons. It provides valuable insights into the economic and cultural connections between Egypt and the wider Muslim world during the medieval period.The well-preserved state of the city offers a unique possibility to study urban life in the Middle Ages. Moreover, the research contributes to a better understanding of the environmental factors that led to the city’s submersion, a topic of increasing relevance in the face of modern climate change.
Key Takeaways
- A medieval city has been discovered off the coast of Alexandria,Egypt.
- The city was a thriving trade hub for Muslims between the 11th and 14th centuries.
- Artifacts, including pottery and building remains, provide evidence of a vibrant urban center.
- The city’s submersion was likely caused by rising sea levels and seismic activity.
- The discovery offers valuable insights into medieval trade, culture, and environmental history.
Further research and excavation are planned to fully uncover the secrets of this sunken city. The ongoing investigations promise to reveal even more about the lives of the people who once called this remarkable place home and to deepen our understanding of the medieval mediterranean world. The European Institute for Underwater Archaeology continues to lead the exploration.