The Enigmatic Oxus Civilization: Unveiling a Forgotten Era
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Chapter 1: The Discovery of a Hidden Civilization
The Oxus Civilization, often overshadowed by Egypt, Mesopotamia, India, and China, represents a significant yet obscure chapter in human history. This civilization thrived along the Oxus River, known today as the Amu Darya, which flows through regions of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Northern Afghanistan.
In 1979, just prior to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, archaeologist Viktor Sarianidi made a remarkable discovery: vast amounts of gold in the graves of nomads that dated back over four thousand years, to the second and third millennia B.C. Sarianidi's relentless pursuit over thirty years has illuminated the existence of the Oxus Civilization, also known as the Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex (BMAC).
What remains unclear is the identity of the people behind this civilization, their cultural practices, their global influences, and the factors leading to their decline. Let us delve into these enigmas.
Section 1.1: The Pioneer Archaeologist
Viktor Sarianidi's journey began in 1965 when farmers near Tepe Fullol, Afghanistan, unearthed gold and silver vessels, sparking his interest. Born into a Greek family in Tashkent during Stalin's regime, Sarianidi faced challenges in pursuing his studies. Ultimately, he redirected his focus from law to archaeology.
His diligence paid off when he secured a position at the Institute for Archaeology in Moscow. His journey through the Kara-Kum desert of Turkmenistan led him to investigate unusual mounds that suggested a lost city. The ensuing excavations unveiled pottery reminiscent of Bactrian styles and the grand site of Gonur Depe, the largest known city of the Oxus civilization.
With the Cold War restricting information flow, much of Sarianidi's groundbreaking work remained confined to Russian academic circles until the Soviet Union's fall.
Section 1.2: Who Were the Oxus People?
The earliest signs of human settlement in the Oxus region trace back to 7200 B.C. Here, mud-brick structures indicate a blend of Anatolian farmers and local hunter-gatherers. Evidence suggests the domestication of goats and sheep, alongside the cultivation of wheat and barley.
The Copper Age, which began around 4000 B.C., saw the emergence of advanced metallurgy, particularly at Namazga Depe, Ilgynly Depe, and Altyn Depe. By 3000 B.C., cultural divergences appeared, giving rise to distinct pottery styles. The flourishing city of Shahr-i Sokhta emerged during this "regionalization era," which coincided with the rise of Bronze Age urban centers.
The people of the Oxus civilization were likely distinct from the Indo-European groups of the Steppes. Linguistic evidence suggests they did not speak an Indo-European language, and their solitary seal points to a unique writing system for trade.
The first video titled "10 MORE LOST CIVILIZATIONS YOU'VE NEVER HEARD OF | History Countdown" explores various forgotten cultures, including the Oxus, providing insights into their significance and contributions to history.
Section 1.3: Economy, Art, and Culture
The Oxus civilization thrived economically through advanced agriculture and trade networks, engaging with regions such as Elam, the Indus Valley, and Mesopotamia. Archaeological findings at Altyn Depe reveal the earliest evidence of wheeled transportation, showcasing oxen-drawn carts that facilitated trade of semi-precious stones and intricate jewelry.
Oxus artisans were skilled metalworkers, creating beautiful jewelry adorned with geometric designs and motifs of mythical creatures. One of the most renowned artifacts is the "Bactrian Princess," a limestone idol representing a fertility goddess, illustrating the cultural significance of female deities in Oxus society.
The Oxus people also created various statues, including intriguing humanoid figures discovered across regions, hinting at their extensive trade connections.
Chapter 2: The Lifestyle of the Oxus Civilization
In the video "Ancient Civilizations You've Probably Never Heard Of," viewers can gain a deeper understanding of the Oxus civilization and other lesser-known cultures that shaped our world.
Section 2.1: Urban Life and Social Structure
Determining the lifestyle of the Oxus people poses challenges due to limited written records. Nevertheless, the archaeological evidence from Gonur, identified as the capital, reveals a city with significant administrative and religious structures.
The architectural layout of Gonur mirrors that of contemporary Mesopotamian cities, with mud-brick huts outside the fortified walls suggesting a clear division between urban administration and rural agriculture. The wealth of gold, bronze, and silver artifacts indicates a prosperous elite.
Grave findings, including horse chariot burials, challenge preconceived notions about ritual practices, showing that such traditions were widespread in Central Asia long before Indo-European influences.
Section 2.2: The End of the Oxus Civilization
The decline of the Oxus civilization remains enigmatic, with no clear evidence of warfare or conquest. Archaeologists theorize that migration from Indo-Iranian pastoralists may have led to the gradual abandonment of Oxus cities. The original inhabitants likely integrated with these newcomers, giving rise to new cultural identities.
As the Achaemenid Persians invaded, Bactria emerged in historical records as a region of militaristic peoples. The subsequent Greek conquest by Alexander the Great established a new chapter in Central Asian history, as trade and cultural exchange flourished under his rule.
The legacy of the Oxus civilization persists, shaping future cultures and contributing to the development of the Silk Road, which connected diverse regions from the East to the West.
For those intrigued by the origins of the Silk Road and its impact on global trade, further exploration awaits.
Sources:
History of Civilizations of Central Asia, Vol I, UNESCO Publishing.
Aruz, Joan (ed), Art of the First Cities: The Third Millennium B.C. from the Mediterranean to the Indus, pp. 347–375, 2003, Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, N.Y.)
Central Asia’s Lost Civilization, Discover Magazine, Nov. 2006.
Sarianidi, V. I. (1994). “Preface”. In Hiebert, F. T. (ed.). Origins of the Bronze Age Oasis Civilization of Central Asia. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.
Sarianidi, V. I. (1995). “Soviet Excavations in Bactria: The Bronze Age”. In Ligabue, G.; Salvatori, S. (eds.). Bactria: An ancient oasis civilization from the sands of Afghanistan.
