Eres qala

Eres qala

Eres qala.

It is a large enclosure, extending for 360 metres from its north-eastern to south-western side with a maximum width of 220 meters. It has an irregular partly oval shape, protected by double walls with regularly space oval towers and internal archers' galleries on two levels. The entrance is on the southern side and is defended by two towers. Inside the citadel are the remains of three adjacent buildings abutting the internal side of the western wall.

Plan of Eres qala from Sergey Tolstov's "Ancient Khorezm", Moscow, 1948.

Eres qala seems to date from the 4th to 3rd centuries BC and was one of the chain of frontier fortresses that guarded the eastern border of Khorezm from nomadic attack. It may have provided a refuge for the local agricultural community during times of danger.