Credit: University of Lincoln
A new study challenges the long-held view that the destruction of Central Asia s medieval river civilizations was a direct result of the Mongol invasion in the early 13th century CE.
The Aral Sea basin in Central Asia and the major rivers flowing through the region were once home to advanced river civilizations which used floodwater irrigation to farm.
The region s decline is often attributed to the devastating Mongol invasion of the early 13th century, but new research of long-term river dynamics and ancient irrigation networks shows the changing climate and dryer conditions may have been the real cause.
New research from University of Lincoln experts challenges this long-held view
The team investigated Otrar oasis, a former Silk Road trade hub in Kazakhstan
Climate change – not Genghis Khan – was to blame for wiping out Central Asia s medieval river civilisations 700 years ago, a new study claims.
UK researchers investigated the river channels around the Aral Sea in Central Asia, which was historically a vast body of water but is now a fraction of its former size.
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Hundreds of years ago, the Aral Sea and its major rivers were the centre of advanced river civilisations that used floodwater irrigation to farm.