The head of the International Historical and Archaeological Expedition at Issyk-Kul, Academician of the National Academy of Sciences Vladimir Ploskih, reported that new artifacts from the sunken capital of Chigu (or Chigucheng) of the once powerful nomadic Usun state have been discovered during the current field season.
According to him, as part of the renewed project to create an archaeological map of the Issyk-Kul basin, the expedition conducted research in the waters of the Kurmentin Bay.
"The new finds are surprisingly well-preserved and confirm the previously proposed hypothesis about the sunken capital," the academician stated.
He mentioned that back in 1985, together with archaeologist Vladimir Mokrynin, traces of a large ancient settlement were discovered in the eastern waters of the Tyup Bay. By analyzing written sources and comparing the artifacts raised from the bottom of the lake, which were dated to the first millennium BC, the scientists suggested that this could be the lost capital of the Usuns.
Academician Ploskih found confirmation of the hypothesis about the sunken capital
"Currently, the underwater ruins represent shoals, completely strewn with fragments of ceramics. Whole vessels, bronze and iron artifacts, stone grain grinders and millstones, individual burnt bricks, and glazed tiles are occasionally found here. The latter indicate that monumental architectural structures of cultural and palace types were once built here," the scientists noted.
They especially emphasize that the renewed historical and archaeological work brings new discoveries, provides unique materials to enrich museum collections, and opens new opportunities for organizing nomadic tourism at Issyk-Kul.
Source: "VB"
