Kuva (TDI): Archaeologists from China and Uzbekistan have unearthed ancient city walls at the historic site of Kuva, revealing structures built and modified between the 3rd century BC and the 10th century AD. The discovery sheds new light on the history of this prominent Silk Road settlement.
Kuva, located in the Fergana Valley of eastern Uzbekistan, covers roughly 110,000 square meters and was once a vital hub along the Silk Road. Historical records indicate its connection to China over two thousand years ago, as the city is believed to have been part of the ancient Dayuan state, documented by the Chinese envoy Zhang Qian during the Han Dynasty (202 BC–220 AD), according to Xinhua.
Since 2023, a joint team from China’s Luoyang Institute of Archaeology in Henan Province and Uzbekistan’s Fergana State University has been conducting fieldwork at the site.
Liu Bin, head of the Chinese team, said the excavations have revealed a palace, city gates, walls, house foundations, streets, and workshops. In 2025, efforts focused on the northern gate and the adjacent moat.
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Analysis indicates that the walls underwent multiple changes in layout and function over centuries, constructed using both adobe and mud bricks. This confirms that the site was continuously used from the 3rd century BC through the 10th century AD.
“The repeated modifications highlight the enduring vitality and adaptability of this Silk Road hub,” Liu said. He added that the evolving construction techniques provide valuable insights into architectural practices, material selection, and cultural influences across different eras.
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The team has also surveyed the eastern section of the palace complex, uncovering wall foundation trenches and a surrounding moat, which will help reconstruct the city’s original layout.
Looking ahead, Liu noted, “This year, we plan systematic excavations in the palace area to fully clarify the layout and functional zones of the ancient city.”
