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.CAIS NEWS© ARCHAEOLOGICAL & CULTURAL NEWS OF THE IRANIAN WORLD |
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International Scientific Conference on Ancient Margiana Comes to End
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19 November 2006 |
LONDON, (CAIS) -- The 3-day international scientific conference entitled "Ancient Margiana - New Center of World Civilization" finished in the town of Mary (Marv), in what is today known as the Turkmenistan.
Leading
experts from 15 states discussed the results of research conducted by the
Margiana archaeological expedition led by Prof. Viktor Sarianidi and his new
theory claiming that Margiana is the only Central Asian cradle of the ancient
Eastern civilization. Sarianidi identified the Bactria-margiana complex as
Indo-Iranian, going as far as to identify evidence of proto-Zoroastrian objects
and rituals.
Summing up the scientific discourse, world-famous specialists noted that for
scientists the forum marked the headstart to join efforts in reconstructing the
true history of the Bronze Age. According to them, the Margiana excavations make
one reconsider the established views on the ancient past of mankind and the
place of ancient Iranian civilisation in the system of early civilizations on
the planet.
Giving a speech on the last day of the conference, Prof. Sarianidi emphasized
the results of archaeological researches of the last three years. In his
opinion, the findings, including a cylinder-shaped seal with a cuneiform Shumer
inscription, leave no doubts as regards the fact that ancient Iranian province
of Margush was not an isolated oasis in the end of III -
first half of II centuries BCE. It was rather in the orbit of international
relations as a highly developed civilization. He also noted that further
exploration of Margush promises new sensational discoveries.
Practically all speakers stressed the thesis that numerous monumental palaces
and temples of the of Margush, splendid king's necropolis and ancient art works
are clear evidence of the unknown center of ancient world civilization that
existed there.
Noting the need for further detailed study of the historical heritage of
Margiana, the scientists expressed confidence that even today there were no
doubts that it could be referred to the ancient world civilizations.
The conference participants also supported the idea of continuing and
strengthening close scientific cooperation.
The Margiana has attracted attention as a candidate for those looking for the material counterparts to the Indo-Iranians, a major branch that split off from the Proto-Indo-Europeans. The first agricultural settlements appeared in the delta of Murgab river as back as 7 millennium BCE. Fertile silt coming from mountains, abundance of water and moderate climate had created favourable conditions for good crops and the progress of the ancient economy was continuing for several centuries.
Archaeological discoveries of the second half of 20th century. in the north what is today known as Afghanistan and Southern Turkmenistan gave exact proof for close relations between Margiana and Baktria. The Margiana country occupied an area of more than 3000 sq. Km and consisted of 78 oasis and more than 150 compact settlements.
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"History is the Light on the Path to Future" |
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Encyclopaedia Iranica
The British Institute of Persian Studies "Persepolis Reconstructed"
The British Museum
The Royal Asiatic Society
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