Museum of the Ancient City of Afrasiab
Museum of the Ancient City of Afrasiab in Samarkand, Uzbekistan
The Museum of the Ancient City of Afrasiab is located in Samarkand, next to the archaeological site of the same name in the northeastern part of the city. It is dedicated to the history of ancient Marakanda and Samarkand from the early periods to the time of the Mongol conquest. For tourists, it is a convenient opportunity to explore the city’s past not only through the excavations, but also through authentic finds discovered on site.
The museum’s exhibition is connected with the study of Afrasiab, which covers an area of about 200 hectares. It brings together materials found during archaeological work: ceramics, coins, glass objects, jewelry, household items, tools, and fragments of architectural decoration. These objects show how crafts, trade, and urban life developed in ancient Samarkand.
Of particular importance are the wall paintings found at Afrasiab. The most famous frescoes date back to the 7th century and are considered an important source for the history of Sogdiana, its culture, and its external relations. Thanks to the museum exhibition, visitors can see not only individual artifacts, but also gain a better understanding of the structure of the ancient city and its role in the history of the region.
A visit to the museum is usually combined with a walk around the archaeological site itself. This format is especially interesting for those who want to see the archaeological monument in context and gain a more complete impression of one of the oldest urban centers in Central Asia.
Museum of the Ancient City of Afrasiab on the map
Museum of the Ancient City of Afrasiab and the Finds of Afrasiab
The exhibition helps visitors see the history of ancient Samarkand through archaeological finds.
Frescoes, archaeological finds, and the history of ancient Marakanda
The museum presents archaeological materials found on the territory of Afrasiab during many years of excavations. Among the exhibits are ceramic vessels, coins, glass, terracotta figurines, ossuaries, weapon elements, and objects of everyday life. Viewing the collection helps reveal not only individual rarities, but also the everyday side of life in the ancient city.
The fragments of the famous 7th-century wall painting, discovered in the ceremonial room of one of the buildings, usually attract the greatest attention. These images are important for understanding the art and diplomatic ties of Sogdiana. The museum also displays materials related to the layout of the site, defensive structures, and the stages of settlement in this area.
After viewing the exhibition, visitors often continue to the Afrasiab site itself, where the mounds of the cultural layer and excavation areas are visible. Nearby are the Shakhi-Zinda mausoleum complex and the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, so a visit to the museum is easy to include in an itinerary around historic Samarkand.
You can get here from the center of Samarkand by taxi or public transport in the direction of Afrasiab and Shakhi-Zinda. It is usually worth allowing at least one to two hours to visit the museum and the surrounding area.
Best tours and travel experiences across the continent
Photos of Afrasiab
Guided tours, popular attractions, and top-rated hotels across the continent
