Ayritam settlement

815

Located 18 kilometers from Termez along the Amu Darya, the historical fortress of Airitam consists of various monuments of ancient civilization. 

The area of the settlement is 90 hectares .The Airitam complex was opened in 1933 in old Termez, when the first excavations were carried out on its territory. Unfortunately, the expedition diaries and drawings were burned. But the remains of late buildings made it possible to determine that a monumental fort was erected here during the Greco-Bactrian Empire (II century BC), and during the Kushan period a huge Buddhist monastery was built, the length of which reached 3 km. The buildings were surrounded by fortress walls with towers, richly decorated with architectural decor.

Pottery kilns were found near the complex, which were used at that time for economic and industrial purposes.

At the end of the III century, Airitam fell into decline and never recovered.

In 1932, during the research, the scientist M. Masson discovered several unique Buddhist sculptures and plates on this territory, where musicians and garland bearers are depicted.

Among the surviving finds, 3 copper coins have also reached our days: an imitation of the minting of Heliocles and Soter Megas.

All the findings, after careful study, descriptions and classifications, transferred to the museums of the republic.

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