Orlat
Sogdian–Kangju (200 BCE–300 CE)·Kangju–Sarmatian to Sogdian (Orlat plaques)·🇺🇿 Samarkand Region, Ishtikhon District, Orlat Kurgan cemetery, Uzbekistan
About
About Orlat
Orlat is the Sarmatian–Kangju cemetery with famed Orlat bone plaques — carved battle and hunting scenes linking Sogdiana to Steppe nomads, 4 kurgans (8 m high).
This entry is brief — help us grow it. Suggest a source or correction.
Why it mattersKey Kangju–Sarmatian to Sogdian (Orlat plaques) ancient-village 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.200 BCE
- Period
- Sogdian–Kangju (200 BCE–300 CE)
- Culture
- Kangju–Sarmatian to Sogdian (Orlat plaques)
- Builders
- Kangju–Sarmatian
- Purpose
- Ancient city and ceremonial centre
- Abandoned
- 13th century
- Rediscovered
- 1970s excavation
- Excavation
- Excavated
On the ground
Structures & features
39.5500° N · 66.8500° E · 620 m · 3 mapped features
Kurgan 2 (Plaque Find)
mound8-m kurgan with Orlat bone plaques in elite burial
39.5503° N · 66.8503° EBattle Plaque Scene
structureBone plaque with cataphract battle (10×4 cm)
39.5500° N · 66.8500° EHunting Plaque Scene
structureBone plaque with deer hunting and Sogdian tamga
39.5497° N · 66.8503° E