Karakalpak-Australian Excavations in Ancient Chorasmia, 2001–2005: Interim Report on the Fortifications of Kazakl'i-Yatkan and Regional Survey

Abstract

This article presents the interim results of the Karakalpak-Australian excavations for the years 2001–2005 at the site of Kazakl'i-yatkan in north-western Uzbekistan. Data is presented on the construction and absolute chronology of the fortifications and an architectural survey of contemporary standing monuments in the region. Kazakl'i- yatkan was a major site in the delta of the Amu-dar'ya and was possibly at one time a regional capital. A series of C14 dates has shown that the site was established around the late third century BC and abandoned probably at some time in the second century AD. The regularity of the fortifications suggests a planned layout, but their efficacy was seriously hampered by inefficient design. The site suffered a major siege in the first century BC, but subsequently recovered and the fortifications were repaired. The identity of the attackers is as yet undetermined.