Akhsikath

Akhsikath, located in the Fergana Valley of Uzbekistan, is a significant archaeological site with origins dating back to the 3rd century BCE. As a fortified city along the Syr Darya River, it became an important Silk Road caravan stop and a hub for Damascus steel production. The city reached its zenith during the 9th to 12th centuries CE, featuring a complex of defensive walls, palaces, mosques, and caravanserais. It was repeatedly conquered due to its wealth, with notable sacks by the Kushans and Genghis Khan's commander Jebe Noyan in 1219 CE. In the 15th century, it served as the residence of Umar Shaikh Mirza II, father of Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire. The city was eventually destroyed by an earthquake in 1620 CE, leading to its abandonment.