For over a decade, Chinese and Uzbek archaeologists have uncovered cultural treasures through their joint excavations at historic sites across Uzbekistan. Their latest discovery – a meticulously crafted sphinx-shaped pendant near the Surxondaryo region – offers fresh insights into ancient cross-cultural exchanges along the Silk Road.
The gold pendant, smaller than a palm yet rich in symbolic detail, was found at the Rabot settlement in Baysun. Its hybrid design combines Egyptian mythological motifs with Central Asian craftsmanship, illustrating how ideas traveled as freely as spices and silks across ancient trade routes. Archaeologists suggest it likely served as a protective amulet for elite members of society during the 1st-3rd centuries CE.
Dr. Farhod Maksudov of Uzbekistan's Academy of Sciences notes: "This discovery proves our shared history isn't confined by modern borders. When merchants rested in caravanserais, they exchanged more than goods – they blended stories, symbols, and technologies."
The ongoing collaboration between Chinese and Uzbek research teams has mapped over 40 historical sites since 2012, revealing interconnected urban networks that facilitated East-West exchanges. These findings come as China and Central Asian nations strengthen cultural cooperation through initiatives like the "Silk Road Economic Belt" heritage preservation projects.
