Koy-Krylgan-kala Fortress

The Koy-Krylgan-Kala Fortress, also known as the Fortress of Lost Rams, is one of the most intriguing archaeological sites in the vast Khorezm steppes of Karakalpakstan. Discovered serendipitously by the Khorezm archaeological expedition in 1938, this fortress stands out due to its unique circular design, a stark contrast to the typical square or rectangular fortresses commonly found in the region.

The fortress features a central citadel surrounded by a perfectly circular protective wall adorned with towers. This outer fortification encloses the central structure, creating a built-up area known as the «ring.» The central building has a diameter of 42 meters and reaches a height of about 8 meters in its best-preserved section. The overall diameter of the fortress complex is approximately 90 meters.

Surrounding the ruins, thousands of pottery fragments scatter the sandy dunes, alongside bronze arrow tips and other artifacts. These findings have helped archaeologists date the site, revealing it as the oldest known monument to ancient Khorezmian statehood, with the earliest artifacts dating back to the 4th-3rd centuries BC.

Excavations in 1950 marked a new phase in uncovering the fortress’s history. Archaeologists determined that Koy-Krylgan-Kala had two distinct periods of development: the initial stage in the 4th-3rd centuries BC and a second period in the first centuries AD. Evidence suggests that the central part of the fortress was destroyed by a significant fire during its early development, although it remains unclear whether this was due to arson or an accident.