Dalvarzin Tepe
Dalverzintepa Ancient City: A Glorious Relic of Kushan Civilization
Dalverzintepa, or Dalvarzin Tepe, is a very well-preserved ancient settlement and town, situated about 20 km south of Denau and 60 km north of Termez in the rich Surkhandarya River Valley. The site measures some 47 hectares in area and was an important center of the Kushan Empire, being one of the early capitals of the Tokharian, or Yue Chi, Turkic tribes.
Historical Significance of Dalvarzin Tepe
Dating back to the 2nd-3rd centuries BC, Dalverzintepa was strategically positioned along the Surkhan Valley branch of the Silk Road, making it a critical defensive and trade hub. The city was a beacon of cultural and religious diversity, boasting a Zoroastrian altar, a Buddhist temple, and a Bactrian shrine within its fortified five-sided city walls. The name “Dalvarzin” derives from the ancient Sogdian language, meaning “scarlet, red hill.”
Architectural and Archaeological Highlights
Significant portions of Dalverzintepa’s city walls remain visible, offering a glimpse into its past grandeur. The site features a well-preserved Buddhist temple and part of a Bactrian shrine, reflecting its importance as a religious and cultural melting pot.
During excavations, archaeologists discovered various statues of Buddha and bodhisattvas, as well as a remarkable treasure hoard of gold and silver artifacts, many adorned with precious stones. Weighing a total of 36 kilograms, these treasures are now displayed in museums in Tashkent and Russia.
Dalverzintepa A City of Resilience
Dalverzintepa’s history is marked by cycles of destruction and renewal. The settlement was first fortified with a massive defensive wall, which was destroyed by the Saka tribes in the 2nd century BC. However, the city was rebuilt and reached its zenith during the reign of the Kushan Empire from the 1st century BC to the 5th-6th centuries AD.
Visiting Dalverzintepa
Today, the ruins of Dalverzintepa offer a fascinating glimpse into the prosperous ancient city of Northern Bactria. Visitors can explore remnants of its religious sites, city walls, and the archaeological legacy of a city that once thrived at the crossroads of civilizations. This historical treasure is a must-visit for anyone interested in the Silk Road and Central Asia’s ancient heritage.
Sights near Dalvarzin Tepe
Page updated 5.12.2024
