Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Unique metal weapons have been discovered in Poykent, one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, as reported by Khalk Suzi newspaper.

Located in the Karakul district, Poykent is known for its descriptions by medieval historians such as Muhammad Narshakhi, Tabari, Ibn al-Hordadbeh, and Ibn al-Faqih, who referred to it as "Madina al-Tujjar" — "City of Merchants" or "Mish-city." It is believed that Poykent’s age surpasses that of Bukhara.

For 43 years, the Archaeological Institute of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan and the Bukhara Expedition of the State Hermitage of Russia have been conducting excavations at this ancient site. Based on these studies, a museum has been established, housing over 2,200 exhibits. Recent archaeological work has led to new discoveries, including ancient metal weapons and other artifacts.

According to Dilmurad Holova, a restorer from the Bukhara State Museum-Preserve, the findings include daggers of various sizes, fragments of masks, arrowheads, spearheads, armor elements, and metal rings used in hand-to-hand combat. These items date from the 1st century BC to the 1st century AD. They were found near a temple dating back to the periods of the Sakas and Massagetae and are among the oldest examples of metal weapons in Central Asia.

Among the discoveries, there is also a "kapgir," likely used for carrying fire, a round metal object of unknown purpose, and a bell, probably used in temple rituals. The bell’s outer part is made of metal, while its inner part is crafted from colored metal, with a bone tongue, creating a muffled sound. A flask resembling an oil lamp, possibly used by fire worshippers, was also found. This type of weapon appears in frescoes from the Sogdian period, highlighting its cultural and historical significance.

Specialists are currently continuing the conservation and restoration work of the artifacts. This process requires high expertise, patience, and substantial resources, as restoring items that have been buried for centuries is both complex and expensive. Therefore, support from philanthropists and entrepreneurs would be highly beneficial.

The discovered artifacts are expected to become an important part of museum exhibitions, helping to attract tourists and raise awareness of Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage. Notably, during previous excavations in Poykent in 2000, 2016, and 2017, ancient weapons were also found. However, this recent discovery is regarded by archaeologists as a true archaeological sensation.