### Drone Lidar Unveils Ancient Urban Centers in Uzbekistan’s Mountains

Recent advancements in uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) lidar technology have propelled the study of urban archaeological landscapes, particularly in heavily vegetated and mountainous regions. This sophisticated method allows researchers to create three-dimensional maps with centimeter-level precision, revealing structural features long concealed by natural processes.

A notable application of this cutting-edge technology took place in southeastern Uzbekistan, where UAV-lidar surveys unearthed intricate details of two high-altitude archaeological sites: Tashbulak and Tugunbulak. Located at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 2,200 meters above sea level, these sites lie at what was once a crucial intersection of Asia's medieval Silk Routes, flourishing from the 6th to the 11th century CE.

The use of high-resolution surface modeling, combined with semiautomated feature detection at the Tugunbulak site, has uncovered a detailed layout of monumental fortifications and architecture spread across 120 hectares. This discovery highlights one of the largest known high-altitude urban centers in premodern Central Asia. The scale and complexity of these urban infrastructures challenge previous assumptions about the region, showcasing the economic, political, and social significance of highland communities.

The findings from Tashbulak and Tugunbulak provide fresh insights into the interconnectedness of Central Asian highland populations with the broader medieval Eurasian world. These urban centers played vital roles in Silk Road trade networks, underscoring the importance of mountainous regions in the historical narrative of the Silk Routes.