Water for the Khan: Unveiling the Hidden Well of Karabalgasun

A groundbreaking excavation of Karabalgasun, the ancient Uyghur capital in Mongolia's Orkhon Valley, revealed a deep, intricately designed well and a trove of artifacts that shed light on the site's political significance as a Silk Road hub. Among the discoveries were lacquered wooden poles, Tang dynasty jade books with imperial decrees, high-status objects, and a gyrfalcon skeleton, offering insights into courtly culture, diplomacy, and ritual practices spanning the Uyghur and Khitan periods. The study also pioneered trehalose-based conservation techniques in Mongolia, successfully preserving waterlogged wooden artifacts for research and exhibition. This multidisciplinary approach not only advances our understanding of Karabalgasun's role in trade and prestige but also sets a new standard for archaeological conservation in the region.

Franken, C., Rohland, H., Erdenebat, U., Oyuntulga, M., & Dejidmaa, B.-O. (2026). Water for the Khan: Unveiling the Hidden Well of Karabalgasun. Mongolian Journal of Anthropology, Archaeology and Ethnology, 15(1), 48–57. https://doi.org/10.22353/mjaae.2026150105