Ancient and Early Medieval Kingdoms of the Pamir Region of Central Asia: Historical Shughnan and its Lost Capital

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the kingdom of Shughnān in ancient and early medieval Central Asia, drawing on a wide range of sources and offering insights into its history, culture, and archaeology. It also attempts to identify and locate the town of Kǔhán, described in Chinese historical texts as the 'first capital of Shughnān.'

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 150 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive study stands as one of the few analytical resources available in English to delve into the ancient and early medieval history of the lesser-explored region of the vast mountainous Pamir region of Central Asia: Shughnān. The book skillfully brings together fragmented information from a diverse array of early Greek, Chinese, Persian, and Arabic sources, along with accounts of early European travelers and the scholarly contributions of Soviet and post-Soviet authors, as well as personal accounts and oral history materials from the region. By drawing upon historical, archaeological, linguistic, and ethnographic data, the book offers a holistic overview of the kingdom of Shughnān. Moreover, it makes a groundbreaking attempt to identify and locate the town of Kǔhán, as described in the Chinese historical chronicle, the Táng Shū (Book of the Tang Dynasty, 618–907 CE), as the 'first capital of Shughnān.' Extensive archaeological investigations are conducted at various sites, presenting them as potential candidates for the location of Kǔhán, laying the foundation for future archaeological and ethnolinguistic research in the area.

Ancient and Early Medieval Kingdoms of the Pamir Region of Central Asia: Historical Shughnān and its Lost Capital is an invaluable resource for students, scholars, and historians engaged in the study of ancient and early medieval Central Asia, particularly the Pamir region. It also appeals to those with a broader interest in Central Asian history and archaeology. The book's meticulous research and comprehensive analysis provide a deep understanding of the region's historical and cultural heritage, shedding light on its rich tapestry and contributing to our collective knowledge of this fascinating part of the world.

Weight: 303g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032246765