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Koy-Krylgan Qala

Koy-Krylgan-kala, or the Fortress of Lost Rams, situated in Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan, is a remarkable ancient fortress that offers a glimpse into the rich history of the region. Dating back to the 4th-2nd centuries BC, during the period of Ancient Khorezm, this fortress served as a key settlement in the network of fortresses that dotted the landscape, acting as defensive bastions and centers of trade and culture.

Strategically located near the Amu Darya River, Koy-Krylgan-kala played a crucial role in the region’s history, being situated along the ancient trade routes that connected Central Asia with the Middle East and beyond. Its layout, typical of ancient fortresses, features thick walls and towers constructed using mud bricks, a common building material in the region.

The fortress was discovered by archeologists of the Khorezm expedition casually in 1938. Archeologists were surprised with the form of ancient construction, unprecedented till then in Khoresm: the powerful citadel with the remains of a protective wall was not square and or rectangular as it was used to see, but it was round. Outside, protective constructions had the form of a correct circle with the citadel in the center, it was surrounded with an external fortification with towers. The space between the central building and the wall named the “ring” appeared completely built up. The clay construction was enormous: diameter of the central building was 42 m, height in the best remained part was about 8 m, the diameter of the whole construction – about 90 m.

Thousands of fragments of magnificent pottery have been scattered on sandy barkhans round the fortress and among its ruins. Along with other findings, in particular bronze tips of arrows, they were used to identify its age – archeologists found out that it was the most ancient of all the monuments to ancient Khorezmian statehood known by that time. The earliest finds dated back to 4th-3rd centuries BC.

1950 marked the new stage of excavations at fortress ruins. The results revealed that the fortress had two stages of the development. Earlier stage dated back to 4th-3rd centuries BC. The second period of the fortress referred to the first centuries AD. It was revealed, that at early stages of development, the central part of the fortress was destroyed by a fire. It still remains a puzzle whether it was an arson or an accidental fire.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Koy-Krylgan-kala is its urban planning. The fortress is divided into several sections, including residential areas, administrative buildings, and a central square, reflecting the organized nature of the ancient society that inhabited it. Archaeological excavations have unearthed a treasure trove of artifacts, including pottery, coins, and tools, shedding light on the daily life of its inhabitants.

The fortress population consisted of Zoroastrians, worshipping Anakhita, the goddess of water and rivers, and Siyavus, the god of sun. This monument is interesting in terms of the central complex location. Its western part was built in honour of the goddess Anakhita, and eastern and the southern parts were turned towards the sun rising in honour of the god of sun Siyavush, evidenced by number of figurines and relicts of vessels with images of gods.

Despite its impressive size and strategic location, Koy-Krylgan-kala faced challenges throughout its history. It is believed to have been abandoned and rebuilt several times, likely due to factors such as climate change, political instability, and invasions. However, the exact reasons for its abandonment remain unclear, adding to the mystery and allure of this ancient site.

The fortress history Koy-Krylgan-kala totals a millenium. The remnants of the most ancient ossuaries in the Central Asia were found along with paintings and inscriptions in ancient Khorezmian language. This fortress remains a historical puzzle until now, standing out with its unique design among other fortresses of Ancient Khorezm.

Today, Koy-Krylgan-kala stands as a silent witness to the past, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived there centuries ago. Its unique design, with a central citadel surrounded by a circular protective wall, sets it apart from other fortresses in the region. The fortress’s history spans over a millennium, and its remains continue to intrigue archaeologists and historians, highlighting its importance in the ancient Khorezmian statehood and its unique place in the region’s cultural heritage.