Typology and social role of temple complexes in bronze age Bactria and Margiana
Keywords:
archaeology, Central Asia, Age Bronze, BMAK, Bactria, Margiana, temple, altar, typology, eliteAbstract
The article deals with a comprehensive analysis of monumental structures on the territory of Bronze Age Bactria and Margiana (the turn of the III–II – the first half of the II millennium BC). Based on the materials of archaeological research of key sites (Gonur, Togolok, Jarkutan, Dashli) of the Bactrian-Margian Archaeological Complex (BMAK) the authors propose a new typology of monumental complexes. The classification is based on objective criteria: the features of the architectural layout, the organization of the interior space and the specifics of the archaeological inventory. It is important to emphasize that the authors use the term "temple" as a symbol and aim to verify the hypothesis of the existence of specialized cult centers. The study concludes that monumental complexes were multifunctional, serving as public and cult centers that facilitated social integration and governance.Their functioning indicates the presence of a consolidated elite in the BMAK society that combined religious, military and administrative functions during the formation of a stratified society.
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