Since 2012, archaeologists from the Chinese mainland and Uzbekistan have been excavating key sites such as Mingtepa, Sazagan, Rabot and Mengchaktepa. Their collaboration has unearthed a wealth of relics, spotlighting centuries of cultural exchange across Central Asia.
At the Rabot site in Uzbekistan’s southeastern Surxondaryo region, the team discovered a delicate sphinx-shaped pendant that harkens back to ancient Egypt. This tiny artifact—once worn close to the heart—speaks volumes about the Silk Road’s role as a conduit for ideas, art and traditions that stretched from the Nile to the Tarim Basin.
Beyond its graceful form, the pendant is a tangible reminder of ancient Uzbekistan’s pivotal role as a crossroads. It invites us to imagine traders, artisans and pilgrims carrying more than silk or spices: they carried stories and shared heritage that continue to resonate today.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
