The ruins of the ancient city (1 BC – 5 AD) are located along the Silk Road, a historic East-West trade route. The silk trade once brought prosperity to the oasis of Loulan beside the ancient Lake Lop Nor.
Ruins of the Ancient City (1 BC – 5 AD)
The ancient kingdom of Loulan, over 2100 years ago, served as a crucial trade stop along the Silk Road connecting China, Persia, India, Syria, and the Roman Empire. It was one of the largest and most prosperous cities, opening its doors to trade earlier than many others in the world. However, around 500 AD, it mysteriously vanished from Chinese history overnight, along with many nomadic inhabitants who also “disappeared.” Where did they go? This question remains a perplexing mystery to this day.
According to historical records, Loulan was a significant city-state. The population was dense within the city, while outside lay vast farmlands. Among the 36 states in the Western Regions (Xinjiang), Loulan was the most economically and culturally developed. During the Western Han period, the relationship between Loulan and the interior was extraordinarily close, but after the Wei and Jin Dynasties and the Northern and Southern Dynasties, Loulan gradually severed ties with the interior and silently faded from Chinese history. By the Tang Dynasty, although the Silk Road remained active, no one knew where Loulan was located. Despite mentions of Loulan by some contemporary writers and poets, it was merely a “term” used without knowledge of the actual location of this ancient city.
Remnants of the ancient city of Loulan.
Where Did the Ancient City of Loulan Disappear?
Researchers have proposed various explanations for Loulan’s disappearance. Some believe it was due to the drying up of Lake Lop Nor, changes in the natural environment, or the river changing its course. Others suggest that the upstream of the Kongque River was diverted improperly. Some point to changes in the Silk Road or invasions by other ethnic groups. What is the true reason behind Loulan’s disappearance?
In the spring of 1900, Swedish explorer Sven Hedin was exploring the western region of Lake Lop Nor when his guide, a Uyghur named Ardic, returned to the survey camp to retrieve a shovel and got lost in a storm. After this incident, the brave guide not only returned to the camp with the shovel but also discovered a large Buddhist stupa and ruins.
The intricately carved wooden pieces were half-buried in sand, alongside ancient coins. In 1903, Sven Hedin officially entered this ancient city. He was taken aback by the sight before him. Inside a wall stretching 300 meters, wooden beams lay scattered under the scorching sun and dry winds. Based on the architectural style, it could be inferred that this area was the government’s seat, that area belonged to the people, and another section housed temples… A tall Buddhist stupa stood in the center of the ancient city. Hedin began excavating the ruins and unearthed many valuable artifacts.
Various wooden tablets and documents recorded local agricultural conditions and grain transport, alongside many exquisite materials and coins from various Chinese dynasties. These artifacts reflected the high level of economic exchange between this region and the interior. During the excavation, this brave explorer stumbled upon a tablet clearly inscribed with the words “Loulan.” Thus, the ancient city of Loulan, which had been lost for over 1000 years, was rediscovered. Upon returning to his home country, Hedin announced that he had found the famous city of Loulan, mentioned in Chinese history. This discovery sent shockwaves across the globe.
Chinese Wooden Tablets Unearthed at the Loulan Site
Although the ancient city of Loulan has been found, a new question arises: Why did Loulan suddenly vanish? Regarding the reasons for this disappearance, scientists have conducted extensive research and proposed various theories and opinions.
Some believe that there were many powerful ethnic groups surrounding Loulan. These groups might have used cavalry to invade the peaceful ancient city, plundering and slaughtering its inhabitants. As a result, the city became desolate. However, this explanation lacks historical evidence.
Others suggest that the demise of the ancient city of Loulan was due to climate change. The region experienced extreme aridity, with years of no rainfall. Such a climate was ideal for preserving artifacts. Bodies buried for thousands of years at the site remained uncorrupted, becoming “mummies.” They speculate that over the past 2000 years, the climate of Central Asia has been trending towards increasing aridity. During Loulan’s prosperous period, the climate was relatively mild and humid, suitable for crop growth. Later, as the climate became drier with more sandstorms, crops failed for consecutive years. Agriculture could not sustain itself. In such harsh conditions with no means of survival, the residents were forced to relocate.
Embroidered Tapestry from the Eastern Han Period
While both explanations have some reasoning, they have not gained acceptance in academic circles, as they fail to provide concrete evidence to support these claims.
Currently, scholars have proposed a new explanation – “the theory of disrupted water sources.” They argue that this hypothesis accurately explains Loulan’s decline. Loulan was situated in the eastern part of the Taklamakan Basin, an extremely arid area. The ancient city of Loulan was located downstream of the Taklamakan River, near Lake Lop Nor, which could irrigate crops and support agricultural production. Later, the Taklamakan River changed its course, causing Lake Lop Nor to lose its water source and become desolate. Loulan consequently lost its means of sustenance, forcing its inhabitants to abandon the area. The ancient city gradually became buried by sand. Field surveys outside the ancient city can support this hypothesis. Archaeologists have discovered remnants of an ancient river near Loulan. Historically, Lake Lop Nor indeed experienced several changes.
Considering the persuasiveness of the hypothesis, this explanation aligns more closely with the facts. However, unfortunately, this theory is not recorded in historical texts! Typically, the depletion of water sources is a gradual, prolonged process. If this event had occurred, historical records would naturally have documented it. We believe that soon, scientists will find a more accurate answer.
