Ancient City of Niya
( 2005-09-13 )

The city's ruins were lost until the early part of the 20th century, when the British explorer Sir Aurel Stein discovered the ruins; archaeologists have continued to explore the area ever since.

 Cultural Heritage

Eight tombs have been discovered at the northern part of the ruins. Some of them were already exposed when they were laid out in hollowed out logs or wooden trunks with an outer coffin. Dried out by the desert heat and virtually undisturbed, the bodies, clothes, and burial articles are in excellent condition.

The details of the brocade show exceptional care. The edge of the silk hasn't been unraveled and the fabric still has its original luster. Even the green and yellow, colors that usually easily fade, are preserved. Pieces of brocade, much less in quantity and variety, were found in Niya in 1959, with three motifs: animal patterns, geometric designs, and auspicious tokens, all of which were never encountered before.

Among the burial articles is a place of food with mutton, pears, and grapes. This variety serves as evidence of oasis agriculture and the raising of livestock.