Sarazm

Sarazm, a settlement dating back to the 4th–2nd millennia BC, lies near Pendzhikent and stands as one of Central Asia’s most ancient cultural hubs. The site has preserved remarkable remnants of its storied past, including fire temples, public and residential buildings, and both cultic and palace structures. Among the many treasures unearthed there are objects crafted from copper, bronze, lead, silver, and gold, along with ancient armor and jewelry, all of which date back millennia.

The settlement itself is situated on a ridge running from west to east, along the left bank of the Zeravshan River. Spanning over 100 hectares, Sarazm was a sprawling and bustling center in its heyday.

Sarazm’s significance in ancient history is closely tied to its role as a hub for ore mining. The people of Sarazm extracted gold and silver from the Zeravshan River valley and traded these precious metals with distant lands, including the Middle East, Near East, and western India. This early trade network placed Sarazm at the crossroads of regional exchange and cultural diffusion.

In addition to mining, Sarazm was a prominent center of metallurgy. Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of advanced metalworking techniques, including fragments of casting molds, melting forges, and heavy tools like pestles and hammers used to crush ore. Metal artifacts such as axes, daggers, knives, spears, pins, fishing hooks, and ornamental pieces have also been found, reflecting the settlement’s technological sophistication.

One of the most striking discoveries at Sarazm is the palace complex, which spans more than 250 square meters. This structure includes a large corridor, a vestibule, two or three grand halls, and several auxiliary rooms. Wide passageways connect the different sections of the complex, and one of the walls even features windows, likely designed for both illumination and ventilation. Notably, circular altars have been found at the center of two of the halls, suggesting that this complex may have served not only as a palace but also as a place for ceremonial or religious rites.