Sogdian
Quick Summary
The Sogdians were an ancient people who inhabited Sogdiana, a region in Central Asia centered around the Zeravshan River valley, in modern-day Uzbekistan. This area was known for its fertile lands, encouraging urban development and the growth of states.12
Sogdiana was likely settled between 1000 and 500 BCE and later came under Achaemenian rule. It was conquered by Alexander the Great and may have been part of the Bactrian Greek kingdom before invasions by Saka and Yuezhi peoples around the 2nd century BCE. The Sogdians were skilled in irrigation and agriculture, which supported their towns and cities, including their capital, Afrasiab (modern Samarkand). They were also known for their sophisticated arts, with evidence of secular and religious pottery and sculpture, as well as vibrant mural paintings. Sogdiana remained a prosperous center until the Mongol invasions and later became a focal point of Islamic civilization under the Samanid dynasty. The Sogdians also spoke an Iranian language, also called Sogdian.123
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history of Central AsiaThe Uyghur empire…to the Uyghur land many Sogdians, whose growing influence on state affairs was resented by the Turkic Uyghurs and led to Mouyu’s assassination.
Read More…to the Uyghur land many Sogdians, whose growing influence on state affairs was resented by the Turkic Uyghurs and led to Mouyu’s assassination.
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silkOrigins in China…have been invented by the Sogdians in Central Asia, improved by the Uighurs, and adapted by the Chinese in the 11th century. The term kesi (literally “cut silk”) derives from vertical gaps between areas of colours, caused by the weft threads not running right across the width; it has also…
Read More…have been invented by the Sogdians in Central Asia, improved by the Uighurs, and adapted by the Chinese in the 11th century. The term kesi (literally “cut silk”) derives from vertical gaps between areas of colours, caused by the weft threads not running right across the width; it has also…
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