Located 30 kilometers northwest of Termez, on the right bank of the Amu Darya River, Kampyr-Tepe stands as a testament to the ancient civilizations that once flourished in the region. This archaeological site, one of the oldest in Uzbekistan, offers invaluable insights into the cultural, religious, and commercial exchanges that took place along the Silk Road.
Founded at the end of the 4th century BC, Kampyr-Tepe served as a bustling port city along the banks of the Amu Darya, known as the Oxus in ancient times. Its strategic location made it a vital hub for trade and commerce, as merchants traveling along the Silk Road stopped to rest, replenish their supplies, and engage in cultural exchange.
In 2019, historian Edward Rteveladze shed new light on Kampyr-Tepe, identifying it as the long-lost Alexandria of Oxia, a port city established by Alexander the Great. This groundbreaking discovery, based on extensive research and archaeological findings, finally revealed the true identity of the ancient city mentioned in numerous historical texts.
The Kampyr-Tepe complex is comprised of a main citadel, surrounded by a moat, along with a walled downtown area and an unfortified suburb. Excavations at the site have uncovered well-preserved cultural layers dating back to the early Hellenistic, Greco-Bactrian, and Kushan-Uezhian eras, providing valuable insights into the city’s diverse population and religious practices.
Evidence suggests that Kampyr-Tepe was a melting pot of cultures and religions, where Zoroastrians, Buddhists, followers of Greek gods, and adherents of local cults lived side by side in harmony. This religious diversity is reflected in the architectural features of the city, with structures dedicated to various faiths coexisting within its walls.