Toprak Kala Royal City, Southern Karakalpakstan

Toprak Kala lies about 12 km from Buston and 50 km from Beruni. The ancient settlement covers more than 17 hectares, approximately 500 by 350 metres. Outer walls reinforced with square towers survive up to 20 metres high. In the 2nd–3rd centuries AD this was the sacred royal city of Khorezm's Yuezhi dynasty.

From the southern entrance, the main street led to a 180-by-180-metre citadel in the northwestern corner. A wall ten metres thick separated it from the city. A large fire temple stood along the central street. Above the whole settlement rose the High Palace, built on a brick platform approximately 90 by 83 metres and more than 14 metres high.

Archaeologists excavated about 150 rooms decorated with paintings and sculptures and found part of the palace archive. The central throne hall hosted ceremonies involving the king. Around it were the dynastic Hall of Kings, an Anahita sanctuary, the Hall of Victory, Warriors Hall and Hall of the Deer. Three massive towers strengthened the palace composition, while a simpler eastern tower contained the main entrance.

Royal ceremonies marked coronations, declarations of war and other festivals. The complex also included a Lower Palace and a walled stadium used for ritual contests and military parades. After the Afrighids came to power, Toprak Kala lost its role as a royal cult center. The palace became a citadel in the 4th century; by the 5th century ordinary residents occupied the site before its final abandonment.