Lands of Asia layouts (Eng) 26.11.21

part iv | migrations of cultures
They were made in the Kushan period, and the tradition of making them was in all
likelihood inherited from Greek settlers in Bactria.
Other objects that have been found include pyramid-shaped weights of different
values and sizes made of unfired and well-hardened clay, probably of Greek origin.
They were used as weights for looms and fishing nets.
No such objects dating from the pre-Hellenistic period have been recorded in
Central Asia, but they are characteristic of Greek cities and settlements. This seems
to indicate that they began to be used in Central Asia after it became subject to
Hellenistic influence.
At the same time, the culture of Kampyrtepa had many aspects typical of all towns
and settlements located along the trade routes. Moreover, Kampyrtepa was a fortress
guarding the crossing over the Amu Darya river on one of the most important sections
of the Silk Road that went northwards from Bactra and then to Sogdia, through the
Iron Gate. It is no coincidence that the objects discovered here came from different
countries or were influenced by their cultures: pottery with distinctive circular
ornamentation from Khorezm; metal and terracotta items; an ivory comb with motifs
of Indian origin; a pottery kiln typical of Margiana; Parthian coins; glassware from the
Eastern Mediterranean; Chinese-style mirrors; and a metal buckle made in the Saka
style. Two statuettes found here are particularly unusual. One is made of wood and
set in a silver case clamped with nails. It is a likeness of an elderly man wearing a kneelength
kaftan and loose trousers, which is similar in style to a famous bronze statue of
a Parthian prince found at Shami (Iran). The second terracotta statuette shows a man
with a proud face and distinctive beard, wearing a tall headdress, similar to the images
of some personages from the town of Hatra (Mesopotamia).
The number of coins found at the site of Kampyrtepa is an indication of the scale of
trade along the Silk Roads. More than 600 coins, including four hoards of treasure, have
been found here to date – a remarkable amount for such a small town. There is one other
important circumstance connected with Kampyrtepa’s role in trade. Within the densely
built-up citadel were many storehouses (more than 20) containing 5–20 large storage
jars (khums) more than a metre high, designed for storing grains and different kinds of
liquids. In view of the estimated population of Kampyrtepa, the number of warehouses
and khums and their large amounts of food supplies suggests that they were used mainly
to serve the trade caravans passing through the fortress. The historical and geographical
writings of Hafiz-i Abru (early 15th century) include an interesting description that
has long attracted the attention of scholars. He wrote: ‘Burdagui is a place on the bank
of the Jayhun, near Termez. Some say that Burdagui was founded long before Termez,
but according to others, it was also built by Alexander. According to the latter version
the name Burdagui is Greek and was given to the place also in the time of Alexander:
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