Kampirtepa:
The Lost Alexandria Oxiana
Kampirtepa is one of the unique ancient sites of the ancient settlement of Central Asia. It discovered during archaeological reconnaissance in Оxsus valley (Amu Darya) in 1972. Originally, it has been established as a fortress, located at the crossing through The Оxus River by the caravan way from Bactria to Sogd. Kampirtepa consists of strengthened and not strengthened parts. As a result of archaeological researches is established, that Kampirtepa was known in the history in the antiquity Greek ferry (Pandaheyon, Pardagvi), mentioned Khafizi-Abru. Archaeological excavations except for set monetary treasures revealed the monuments of four writings – Greek, Bactrian, Brahma and unknown letter. Among these, an outstanding value has opening the oldest Bactrian manuscripts on the papyrus, dated at the end of the I – beginning II centuries A.D., that makes them in general by the most ancient hand-written texts ever found in Central Asia.
According to researches was revealed three historical periods of formation Kampirtepa:
- Greek-Bactrian period – time of occurrence of fortress on the place of the future citadel (III-II centuries B.C.)
- Yuchjiy-Kushan period – time pure habitation of citadel (II-I centuries B.C.)
- Great Kushan period – time of intensive construction and formation of powerful fortress (I-middle II centuries B.C.)
Kampirtepa is a bright example of the development of culture, trade, development of town planning in antique and late antique periods of history of Central Asia.
