Janbas-Kala is an ancient settlement in Karakalpakstan, dating back to the antiquity of Ancient Khorezm during the period known as the «thousand cities» era. This era is divided into the Kanguy and Kushan stages, named after the states to which Khorezm belonged. The foundation of Janbas-Kala is attributed to the first Kanguy stage, with the date of its establishment determined by S.P. Tolstov to be between the 4th century BC and the 1st century AD.
Situated on the northern-western slope of a desert flat elevation extending from the northwest to the southeast, Janbas-Kala is prominently located northeastward in the «Lands of Ancient Irrigation.» It locks a chain of hills stretching to the southeast from Sultanuizdag, as detailed by S.P. Tolstov in his work «Ancient Khorezm.»
The fortress is a well-preserved triangular structure, measuring approximately 200 by 170 meters, oriented to the cardinal directions. Its preservation can be attributed to the centuries-long accumulation of sand drifts, which have helped protect the fortress walls. These walls stand almost 10 meters high, signifying the building’s immense scale. Behind the outer wall lies an additional wall, reinforcing the main fortification. The outer wall, which thickens toward the bottom, measures 1.30 meters wide, while the inner wall is about 1 meter wide. The narrow embrasures in the outer walls indicate the fortress’s military purpose.
Unique among Eastern fortresses, Janbas-Kala lacks corner towers. Another distinguishing feature is the preserved structure in front of its gates, which allowed defenders to force invaders into a narrow corridor and attack them from above. This strategic design highlights the fortress’s defensive ingenuity.
Inside, Janbas-Kala’s layout is relatively straightforward. From the gates, a main city street extends from the northwest to the southeast, leading to a large building near the southern gates. Residential blocks line both sides of the street, each divided into numerous rooms, with approximately 150 rooms per block. The southern gate building is believed by archaeologists to have been a sanctuary for fire-worshippers, known as the «House of Fire.» This theory is supported by the discovery of ash residues in a corner room of the sanctuary.
For centuries, Janbas-Kala’s inhabitants successfully repelled nomadic incursions. However, in the 1st century AD, invaders managed to breach the fortress’s formidable gates using a battering ram, breaking through the wall slightly west of the gate. Archaeological evidence, such as arrowheads, indicates a fierce battle ensued inside the fortress. Most residents were likely killed, and survivors taken captive. Following this attack, the fortress was never restored and gradually succumbed to the elements over the next 2,000 years. Today, only the massive walls remain as a testament to its former grandeur.
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