Toprak-Kala stands as a monumental testament to the grandeur of Ancient Khorezm, flourishing between the 1st and 6th centuries AD. Once a vibrant capital city, it reached its zenith in the 3rd century AD. Discovered in 1938 by the Khorezm expedition led by the renowned archaeologist S.P. Tolstov, Toprak-Kala offers an extraordinary window into the architectural and cultural achievements of this ancient civilization.

Toprak-Kala was meticulously planned, with its layout designed in a precise rectangular shape. The city was strategically divided into distinct zones, with significant structures located at key positions. In the northwest corner, the governor’s palace dominated the landscape. This impressive fortress, featuring three towering structures, served as the residence of the Khorezmshakhs—the rulers of Khorezm. The grandeur of the palace is evidenced by its monumental towers, which originally soared to 30 meters in height, though erosion has reduced them to about 25 meters today. The architecture of these towers reflects the advanced design skills of Khorezm’s builders, showcasing their expertise in fortification and urban planning.

To the southeast of the palace lay the fire temple, an essential religious site for the Zoroastrians who inhabited the city. A long, central street extended from the fire temple southward, effectively bisecting the city. This thoroughfare was lined with residential blocks, arranged in a grid-like pattern, which characterized the urban development of late antique Khorezm. These blocks housed large, well-constructed homes, indicating a highly organized and sophisticated society.

The fortress, built in the 3rd century, served as the administrative and political center of Khorezm until around 305 AD. However, due to frequent wars and invasions, the city gradually fell into decline, leading to its eventual abandonment.

Toprak-Kala has yielded a wealth of artifacts through archaeological excavations, which have shed light on its historical and cultural significance. Among the finds are coins, fragments of ossuaries—canopic jars used in Zoroastrian funerary practices—and exquisite examples of ancient art and craftsmanship. Artifacts include intricately manufactured ceramics, textiles made from wool and silk, and an array of gold jewelry, including a necklace adorned with 300 glass beads and various other precious materials such as amber and coral.

One notable discovery is the remains of workshops where bows were produced, highlighting Khorezm’s reputation for high-quality weaponry. The city’s architecture and urban design are prime examples of the ingenuity and skill prevalent in Khorezm during its peak.

Toprak-Kala is particularly renowned for its unique archaeological finds. In the southeastern part of the palace, researchers uncovered a collection of documents written in the ancient Khorezmian language. These documents, inscribed with black ink on wooden tablets and leather rolls, include 116 records, with 18 remaining in particularly good condition. Though not all documents have been fully deciphered, they are recognized as economic records from the palace archives, with three of the documents dated to 207, 231, and 232 AD.

In addition to the documents, the site has produced sculptures and paintings that contribute to its reputation as a significant repository of ancient Khorezmian art. The extensive excavation of Toprak-Kala allows it to be considered a “museum” of ancient Khorezmian art and architecture. Its remarkable size and innovative design continue to make Toprak-Kala one of the most significant and unique monuments from ancient Khorezm.