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Turkmenistan

Gonur Depe

Bronze Age city with palaces and necropolises

Time Periods

Paleolithic

Paleolithic

Mesolithic

Mesolithic

Neolithic

Neolithic

Chalcolithic

Chalcolithic

Bronze Age

Bronze Age

Iron Age

Iron Age

Classical Period

Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Early Modern Period

Early Modern Period

Industrial Period

Industrial Period

Contemporary Period

Contemporary Period

Location

About

Gonur Depe is a significant archaeological site located in modern-day Turkmenistan, dating from 2400 to 1600 BCE. It was a major settlement within the Bactria–Margiana Archaeological Complex (BMAC) and features extensive Early to Middle Bronze Age structures. The site includes a central citadel-like structure, known as Gonur North, housing the 'Monumental Palace' and surrounded by defensive walls. Religious significance is highlighted by temples and fire altars, possibly linked to Zoroastrian practices. The site also hosts two large necropolises with rich funerary goods, illustrating the high status of its occupants. Gonur South contains fortifications with massive concentric walls, revealing advanced architectural skills. Mosaics and intricate burial practices further suggest cultural exchanges and sophisticated societal stratification. The site's genetic and cultural links point to interactions with Neolithic farmers and the Indus Valley Civilization, highlighting its importance in Bronze Age Central Asia.

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations at Gonur Depe

FileBMAC_bronze_tools.jpg
FileGonur_ruins.jpg
FileWest_Asia_non_political_with_water_system.jpg

Archaeological Features

Explore the unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

Defensive Structures

Defensive WallsTowers

Water Management Features

Reservoirs

Burial and Funerary Structures

GravesNecropolises

Religious and Ritual Structures

TemplesAltars

Artistic and Decorative Features

Mosaics

Domestic and Habitation Structures

Palaces

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's archaeological history

Plan Your Visit

Details

Country
Turkmenistan
Source
Wikipedia