Afrasiab-is the name of mythical king Turan and one of the legend heroes of poem of great tadjic poet Firdousi “Shahname”. Under this name is known the place where ancient Samarkand was situated.
Now Afrasiab is a huge gathering of lifeless hills sided with modern city from north side. But distant past life was boiling here. Because of this explains steadfast interest of our scientists to Agrosiab.
Archeological findings of Afrosiab were started at the end of last century, after joining Central Asia to Russia, with digs made by mayor Borzenkov in 1874 and lieutenant colonel Krestovskiy in 1833.
On the site of ancient settlement were found wonderful example of poured and not poured earthenware ornamental crockery, many terracotta statuettes, fragments of ossuariys, things from glass, different work tools, women decorations, coins, and etc. Archeological findings give clear image about way of life of ancient Samarkand during many centuries of its existence.
It is proved that settling of city type on Afrosiab existed earlier two thousand and half years ago. The city was enclosed with strong defensive walls inside of which where citadel-shahrisatn, cathedral mosque, dwelling houses and craft workshops. The territory of city was crossed by straight paved streets and divided into blocks-guzars.
The museum is built on the territory of Afrosiab. Where gathered archeological findings of 4th century AC till 13th century AC. Several buildings 6-7th centuries were opened. Their walls are decorated highly artistic wall paintings made with glue colors on loam stucco.