Dzhanbas-Kala
Dzhanbas Qala · Janbas-Kala
Kelteminar Neolithic (4000–3000) → Kangju–Khorezmian 4 c. BCE–1 c. CE·Kelteminar → Khorezmian (Chorasmian)·🇺🇿 Republic of Karakalpakstan, Ellikqala District, Uyaz valley near Ayaz-Kala (Khorezm desert frontier), Uzbekistan
About
About Dzhanbas-Kala
Khorezmian desert fortress (c.4 c. BCE–1 c. CE) in the Uyaz valley of Karakalpakstan — small rectangular fort 200×170 m with 10 bastions and Neolithic Dzhanbas-4 settlement 2 km away (Kelteminar culture). Excavated 1938–40 by Tolstov, Dzhanbas-Kala represents the classic Kangju–Khorezm frontier fort built over a Kelteminar Neolithic camp, showing 3000-year continuity from Kelteminar foragers (c.4000 BCE) to Khorezmian fortified line; inner citadel with vaulted corridors and ceramic kilns.
Why it mattersOnly stratified Kelteminar Neolithic → Khorezm fortress sequence; proves 4000-year desert watercourse continuity.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Why fort over Neolithic camp — water memory?
Theories
- 01Uyaz as Kelteminar–Khorezm water lifeline; desertification model
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- Fortress c.4 c. BCE; Neolithic camp c.4000 BCE
- Period
- Kelteminar Neolithic (4000–3000) → Kangju–Khorezmian 4 c. BCE–1 c. CE
- Culture
- Kelteminar → Khorezmian (Chorasmian)
- Builders
- Kelteminar foragers → Khorezmian frontier lords
- Purpose
- Neolithic camp then desert frontier fort on Uyaz watercourse
- Abandoned
- c.1 c. CE (desert shift)
- Rediscovered
- 1938 Tolstov; 1940 Tolstov excavates fort and Kelteminar camp
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c.4000 BCE
Kelteminar Dzhanbas-4 Neolithic camp — pit houses, microliths
c.4 c. BCE
Dzhanbas-Kala fortress built over Neolithic layer
1938–40
Khorezm Expedition discovers and excavates both horizons
On the ground
Structures & features
41.6500° N · 61.0500° E · 115 m · 2 mapped features
Dzhanbas-Kala fortress
fortress200×170 m Khorezm fortress with 10 bastions
41.6505° N · 61.0505° EDzhanbas-4 Kelteminar camp
campKelteminar pit-house camp 2 km from fort
41.6480° N · 61.0520° E