Researchers have discovered two vast ancient cities, shedding light on civilisations that existed over 1,000 years ago. Found 2,000m (6,561ft) above sea level in Uzbekistan’s mountains, the settlements were based along Asia’s Silk Road, the infamous 6,400km-long (about 4,000 miles) trading route.
The first hidden city, known as Tashbulak, covered an area of around 12 hectares (29 acres), according to experts. The second, Tugunbulak, was 10 times bigger – almost three times the size of Vatican City. It may have been one of the largest cities along the Silk Road.