Study of the Tepakul-5 Site (Zaravshan Range, Uzbekistan) during the 2025 Field Season

The Zeravshan Range, particularly its northern slopes, is an essential region for studying the Neolithization processes in Central Asia. Active field investigations of Mesolithic and Neolithic sites have been carried out here for over a century under the leadership of D.N. Lev, M.D. Dzhurakulov, and N.U. Kholmatov. As a result of these studies, the Neolithic sites in the area were classified into the Sazagan Neolithic culture. During the 2025 archaeological fieldwork, excavations continued at the Tepakul-5 site, located in the valley having the same name. The excavations were conducted over an area of 15 sq. m, with the main excavation reaching the depth of 2 m and the control trench in one square reaching the depth of 4.4 m. The site revealed four stratigraphic units, differing in lithological composition and concentration of archaeological materials. The first layer had been disturbed by anthropogenic activity, and a part of a structure made of granitoid blocks was identified at its base. The second layer yielded the highest number of finds (269 items), including stone artifacts, ceramic fragments, animal bones, mollusk shells, and isolated plant seeds. The third layer contained a few stone artifacts located in the layer top, likely introduced through bioturbation. Typological analysis of the lithic industry from the second layer indicates the use of prismatic and terminal flaking techniques aimed at producing blades and microblades. The tool assemblage is dominated by chisel-like implements and retouched microblades. The materials from Tepakul-5 show strong typological parallels with those from Tepakul-1 through Tepakul-4

Archaeological science · Excavation · Flake · Mesolithic · Trench · Animal Diversity and Health Studies · Education, Innovation and Language Studies · Engineering and Agricultural Innovations