Ulugh Depe
Chalcolithic to Iron Age (5000–500 BCE; Bronze Age city 2500–1500 BCE)·Anau–Namazga to Oxus (BMAC) to Yaz·🇹🇲 Ahal Province, Kaahka District, Dushak oasis, Ulugh Depe, Turkmenistan
About
About Ulugh Depe
Ulugh Depe is Turkmenistan's largest tell — 26-m-high (5000 BCE–500 BCE), 13-ha Bronze Age citadel with Yaz I citadel (1500 BCE) and Namazga IV–VI ceramics. Recorded context — Period: Chalcolithic to Iron Age (5000–500 BCE; Bronze Age city 2500–1500 BCE); Culture: Anau–Namazga to Oxus (BMAC) to Yaz; Field status: excavated; Materials: mudbrick, Namazga ceramics, BMAC ivory; Condition: ruins.
Why it mattersKey Anau–Namazga to Oxus (BMAC) to Yaz tell with stratified sequence and regional trade significance.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre
- 02Territorial marker
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c.5000 BCE
- Period
- Chalcolithic to Iron Age (5000–500 BCE; Bronze Age city 2500–1500 BCE)
- Culture
- Anau–Namazga to Oxus (BMAC) to Yaz
- Builders
- Anau–Namazga
- Purpose
- Ancient city and ceremonial centre
- Abandoned
- 13th century
- Rediscovered
- 1970s excavation
- Excavation
- Excavated
On the ground
Structures & features
37.2200° N · 60.0800° E · 240 m · 3 mapped features