Merv and Margiana

Archaeological exploration of the Merv oasis reveals that the Hellenistic period in Margiana was characterized by fortified structures and urban development, challenging conventional interpretations based on classical citations. The study identified physical remains of walls possibly representing a fortified enclosure around the oasis, as referenced by Strabo, and examined the fortifications of ancient city sites like Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala. By analyzing material culture, researchers also assessed the chronology of urban occupation, providing new insights into the region's Hellenistic landscape.

Puschnigg, G. (2020). Merv and Margiana. The Graeco-Bactrian and Indo-Greek World, 335–356. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315108513-17