Ulug Depe

Ulug Depe is an archaeologically significant site situated in the foothills of the Kopet Dag Mountains in Turkmenistan's Karakum Desert. Spanning approximately 13 hectares, this mound reaches a height of around 30 meters and boasts the longest stratigraphic sequence in Central Asia. The site provides a detailed record from the Late Neolithic, marked by the Jeitun culture, through to the pre-Achaemenid period. Among the critical findings at Ulug Depe is a 'pressure set' for making soma drink, indicative of ritualistic practices during the Late Bronze Age. This discovery links Ulug Depe to other Central Asian sites, such as Gonur Depe, known for similar artifacts. The site’s layered history offers insights into the cultural and technological developments over millennia, making it a key location for understanding the region's ancient civilizations.