Niya (Tarim Basin)

Batik textile from Niya.

The Ruins of Niya (simplified Chinese: 尼雅遗址; traditional Chinese: 尼雅遺址; pinyin: Níyǎ Yízhǐ) is an archaeological site located about 115 km (71 mi) north of modern Minfeng Town on the southern edge of the Tarim Basin in modern-day Xinjiang, China. Numerous ancient archaeological artifacts have been uncovered at the site.

Niya was once a major commercial center on an oasis on the southern branch of the Silk Road in the southern Taklamakan Desert. During ancient times camel caravans would cut through, carrying goods from China to Central Asia.^[1][2]

Excavation

Official approval for joint Sino-Japanese archaeological excavations at the site was given in 1994. Researchers have now found remains of human habitation including approximately 100 dwellings, burial areas, sheds for animals, orchards, gardens, and agricultural fields. They have also found in the dwellings well-preserved tools such as iron axes and sickles, wooden clubs, pottery urns and jars of preserved crops. The human remains found there have led to speculation on the origins of these peoples.^[3]

Some archeological findings from the ruins of Niya are housed in the Tokyo National Museum.^[1] Others are part of the Stein collection in the British Museum and the British Library.

Ancient texts showed some king names.^[4]

See also

• Tarim mummies

Notes

1. ^ ^{a b} Boulnois, Luce (2005). Silk Road: Monks, Warriors & Merchants. Hong Kong: Odessey Books & Guides. pp. p. 458, 501. ISBN 962-217-721-2. 
2. ^ "The Most Important Findings of Niya in Taklamakan". The Silk Road. http://www.silk-road.com/artl/niya.shtml. Retrieved 2007-07-21. 
3. ^ "Niya yields buried secrets". China Daily. http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-03/12/content_314240.htm. Retrieved 2007-07-21. 
4. ^ 论尼雅遗址的时代

External links

• Finding Niya artifacts

Coordinates: 37°06′36″N 82°53′13″E / 37.11°N 82.88694°E / 37.11; 82.88694