Toprak-Kala

The fortress, built in the 3rd century, served as the administrative and political center of Khorezm until around 305 AD. However, due to frequent wars and invasions, the city gradually fell into decline, leading to its eventual abandonment.

Toprak-Kala has yielded a wealth of artifacts through archaeological excavations, which have shed light on its historical and cultural significance. Among the finds are coins, fragments of ossuaries—canopic jars used in Zoroastrian funerary practices—and exquisite examples of ancient art and craftsmanship. Artifacts include intricately manufactured ceramics, textiles made from wool and silk, and an array of gold jewelry, including a necklace adorned with 300 glass beads and various other precious materials such as amber and coral.

One notable discovery is the remains of workshops where bows were produced, highlighting Khorezm’s reputation for high-quality weaponry. The city’s architecture and urban design are prime examples of the ingenuity and skill prevalent in Khorezm during its peak.

Toprak-Kala is particularly renowned for its unique archaeological finds. In the southeastern part of the palace, researchers uncovered a collection of documents written in the ancient Khorezmian language. These documents, inscribed with black ink on wooden tablets and leather rolls, include 116 records, with 18 remaining in particularly good condition. Though not all documents have been fully deciphered, they are recognized as economic records from the palace archives, with three of the documents dated to 207, 231, and 232 AD.

In addition to the documents, the site has produced sculptures and paintings that contribute to its reputation as a significant repository of ancient Khorezmian art. The extensive excavation of Toprak-Kala allows it to be considered a “museum” of ancient Khorezmian art and architecture. Its remarkable size and innovative design continue to make Toprak-Kala one of the most significant and unique monuments from ancient Khorezm.