Afrasiyab (Samarkand)

Afrasiyab, located in Northern Samarkand, Uzbekistan, is a significant archaeological site that provides insight into the ancient Sogdian culture and subsequent periods up to the Mongol invasion in the 13th century CE. The site features the remnants of a fortified town with defensive walls and towers, water management systems including cisterns and wells, and significant domestic and religious structures such as houses, palaces, and mosques. Notably, the Afrasiab frescoes, depicting 7th-century diplomatic scenes, are a key artistic highlight. Afrasiyab's timeline reflects a rich history of occupation, from its origins in the 7th-6th centuries BCE through the Samanid and Karakhanid periods, culminating in its destruction by the Mongols in 1220 CE.