Oxus civilization-  Bactria–Margiana Archaeological Complex (BMAC)

Very interesting

Bactria Margiana Archaeological Complex

“The Bactria–Margiana Archaeological Complex (BMAC) is the modern archaeological designation for a particular Middle Bronze Age civilization of southern Central Asia also known as the Oxus Civilization. The civilization’s urban phase or Integration Era,^[1] was dated in 2010 by Sandro Salvatori to c. 2400–1950 BC,^[2][3] but a different view is held by Nadezhda A. Duvoba and Bertille Lyonnet, c. 2250–1700 BC.^[3][4]

Though it may be called the “Oxus civilization”, apparently centred on the upper Amu Darya (Oxus River) in Bactria, most of the BMAC’s urban sites are actually located in Margiana (modern Turkmenistan) on the Murghab river delta, and in the Kopet Dagh mountain range. There are a few later (c. 1950–1450 BC) sites in northern Bactria, currently known as southern Uzbekistan,^[5] but they are mostly graveyards belonging to the BMAC-related Sapalli culture.^[6][7][8] A single BMAC site, known as Dashli, lies in southern Bactria, current territory of northern Afghanistan.^[9] Sites found further east, in southwestern Tajikistan, though contemporary with the main BMAC sites in Margiana, are only graveyards, with no urban developments associated with them.^[10]

The civilization was named BMAC by the Soviet archaeologist Viktor Sarianidi in 1976, during the period (1969–1979) when he was excavating in northern Afghanistan.^[11] Sarianidi’s excavations from the late 1970s onward revealed numerous monumental structures in many sites, fortified by impressive walls and gates. Reports on the BMAC were mostly confined to Soviet journals.^[12] A journalist from The New York Times wrote in 2001 that during the years of the Soviet Union, the findings were largely unknown to the West until Sarianidi’s work began to be translated in the 1990s.^[13] However, some publications by Soviet authors, like Masson, Sarianidi, Atagarryev, and Berdiev, had been available to the West, translated in the first half of 1970s, slightly before Sarianidi labelled the findings as BMAC.^{[14][15][16][17]} “

google bard

The Oxus civilization, also known as the Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex (BMAC), is a fascinating and mysterious ancient society that flourished in Central Asia between roughly 2400 and 1700 BC. While it may be called the “Oxus civilization” due to its apparent center on the upper Amu Darya (Oxus River) in Bactria, most of its urban sites are actually located in Margiana (modern Turkmenistan) and the Kopet Dagh mountain range.

Here’s what I know about this intriguing civilization:

Key features:

• Urban settlements: The BMAC boasted impressive urban centers with fortified citadels, monumental structures, and complex irrigation systems. These suggest a well-organized society with advanced knowledge of architecture and engineering.
• Craft and trade: The people of the BMAC were skilled artisans, producing sophisticated pottery, metalwork, and lapis lazuli beads. Archaeological evidence indicates extensive trade networks connecting them to neighboring civilizations like Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley.
• Religion and beliefs: Little is known about their specific beliefs, but archaeological finds suggest a focus on fertility and nature worship. Ritualistic practices likely played a significant role in their society.
• Unwritten language: The BMAC seemingly didn’t have a writing system, leaving their language and detailed history shrouded in mystery.

Unanswered questions:

• Origins: The exact origins of the BMAC remain unclear. Some theories suggest connections to earlier cultures in the region, while others propose migrations from neighboring areas.
• Social structure: The social hierarchy and power dynamics within the BMAC are still under debate. Were they ruled by a central authority, or did individual cities have more autonomy?
• Decline and disappearance: The reasons for the BMAC’s decline around 1700 BC are not fully understood. Theories range from climate change to cultural shifts and invasions.

Further exploration:

If you’re interested in learning more about the Oxus civilization, here are some resources:

• Books: “The World of the Oxus Civilization” by Bertille Lyonnet and Nadezhda A. Duvoba
• Websites: The British Museum’s Oxus Civilization page, National Geographic article on the BMAC
• Documentaries: “The Lost Civilization of the Oxus” (YouTube)

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions about the Oxus civilization or other ancient cultures.

________________________________________________

chat gpt3

The Oxus civilization, also known as the Bactria–Margiana Archaeological Complex (BMAC), was a Bronze Age civilization that existed in the Murghab River delta of present-day Turkmenistan, northern Afghanistan, southern Uzbekistan, and western Tajikistan. The civilization is named after the Oxus River (modern Amu Darya), which played a significant role in the region.

Here are some key points about the Oxus civilization:

1. Time Period:
   • The Oxus civilization flourished during the Bronze Age, roughly from 2300 BCE to 1700 BCE.
2. Urban Centers:
   • The major urban centers of the Oxus civilization included Gonur Tepe, Togolok, and Namazga-Tepe. Gonur Tepe, in particular, is considered one of the largest and most important archaeological sites associated with this civilization.
3. Architecture:
   • The architecture of the Oxus civilization featured well-planned cities with advanced water management systems, including elaborate canal networks and reservoirs.
4. Material Culture:
   • Archaeological excavations at Oxus civilization sites have revealed a distinctive material culture, including pottery, metalwork, and artifacts made from semi-precious stones.
5. Trade and Contacts:
   • The Oxus civilization had extensive trade contacts with neighboring regions, including the ancient Indus Valley Civilization to the south. This is evident from the discovery of artifacts such as lapis lazuli from Afghanistan and the presence of seals similar to those found in the Indus Valley.
6. Decline:
   • The reasons for the decline of the Oxus civilization are not fully understood. Possible factors include changes in environmental conditions, shifts in trade routes, or internal socio-political changes.
7. Legacy:
   • The Oxus civilization is significant in understanding the development of complex societies in Central Asia during the Bronze Age. It contributes to our understanding of ancient trade networks and cultural interactions in the region.
8. Archaeological Excavations:
   • Archaeological research on Oxus civilization sites has been ongoing, shedding light on the intricacies of the society, its economy, and its interactions with neighboring cultures.

While the Oxus civilization is not as well-known as some other ancient civilizations, ongoing research continues to provide valuable insights into the history and dynamics of this Bronze Age culture in Central Asia.

_________________________________________

so why post like thiis

a good question this seems to cover a lot of the basics.. The question is be tween just enjoying

Da Lazy Showler