Researchers working on Bronze Age archaeological sites in Uzbekistan have established that local communities engaged in sericulture significantly earlier than previously assumed. Cocoon remnants of silkworms were discovered, which underwent radiocarbon dating and date back to the period of approximately 1940–1765 BCE.
These data are further supported by finds at three monuments dating to the late III to mid-II millennium BCE. Archaeologists discovered charcoal derived from white mulberry. The results of this study were published in the scientific journal Science Advances.
Sericulture is an ancient agricultural practice requiring the deliberate breeding of silkworms (Bombyx mori). The larvae of these insects pupate, forming cocoons, which are then collected and processed to obtain silk threads. According to modern scientific understanding, this industry originated in Neolithic cultures of China, where early humans allegedly domesticated wild mulberry silkworms (B. mandarina) approximately between 8500 and 5000 BCE. The earliest written mentions of silk use date back to the Shang Dynasty (1560 or 1554 – 1046 BCE).
It was previously believed that sericulture in Central Asia began only after the active development of the Silk Road, around the 2nd century BCE. However, Zhou Xinying from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and his colleagues working in Germany, China, the USA, and Uzbekistan presented the results of excavations conducted between 2017 and 2019. These excavations were carried out at three Bronze Age sites located in southern Uzbekistan, in the Syr Darya river valley.
The researchers focused on three settlements of the Sapallian culture, which is part of the Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex (or Oxus civilization). The cultural layers of these settlements—Sapalli-Tepe (Sapallitepa), Jarkutan, and Molali—span the period from the late III to the mid-II millennium BCE. The key discovery was made while studying materials from Sapalli-Tepe, where three ancient silkworm cocoons were found. A direct radiocarbon date was obtained for one of them—approximately 1940–1765 BCE.
Subsequent proteomic analysis of these cocoons confirmed that they belonged to silkworms. Protein analysis showed that they corresponded to domesticated silkworms, although morphologically they strongly resemble wild forms, which is likely explained by the variability of early domesticated species. The authors concluded that sericulture appeared in Central Asia 1500–2000 years earlier than previously thought.
In addition to insect remains, archaeologists discovered other evidence of the Oxus civilization's engagement in sericulture. Numerous samples of charcoal extracted from the three settlements were studied. Part of these findings consisted of charred mulberry wood (Morus sp.), presumably white mulberry (M. alba), whose leaves were used to feed silkworm larvae.
Historical traditions of using silkworm cocoons in East Asia are illustrated in works of art. For example, Chinese researchers working in Shanxi province discovered a miniature stone artifact over five thousand years old depicting a silkworm pupa.
As part of other research conducted at the Roman fort of Ambleside in northwest England, archaeologists discovered seven lead sling bullets, adding them to 23 previously found similar artifacts. These finds, described in the journal Britannia, suggest that the fort defenders apparently repelled enemy attacks.
Ahead of the highly anticipated trailer for 'Ramayana' on July 24th, Deepika Chhulhiya, who played the immortal role of Sita in Ramanagan Sagar's 'Ramayana,' openly shared her opinion on the new project. She discussed Sai Pannavi's participation in the role of Sita, and also commented on Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, and Arun Govil. Furthermore, she talked about how her role as Sita became her defining characteristic but simultaneously impacted her career.
In an interview with Variety India, Deepika stated that she has seen Sai Pannavi's work and considers her an outstanding actress. Nevertheless, she emphasized that it is premature to judge how well she will fit the role of Sita. She recalled that Tulsidas's description of Sita from 'Ramayana' mentions her eyes, height, hair, and appearance. Ramanagan Sagar was looking for exactly such a Sita, and he saw her in her. She added that the other actors are good if they match the character.
Deepika noted that Ramanagan Sagar's 'Ramayana' still lives in people's hearts, and this will certainly be reflected in the new film. She admitted that today she is known more by the name Sita than by her own name, and this has become her identity. Although any artist wants to play different roles, no one wishes to remain forever in one character. She warned that the influence of their 'Ramayana' will be very strong on this new film. Even after her being shown in reruns on Doordarshan during the coronavirus pandemic, the new generation saw her, and it will not be easy to erase that 'Ramayana' from people's minds. According to her memory, the original 'Ramayana' never mentioned Sita having curly hair.
Deepika explained that the immense popularity of the role of Sita turned into a problem for her. After 'Ramayana,' she stopped receiving offers, and she is still forced to ask for work. She mentioned that Ranbir Kapoor, having acted in films like 'Barfi,' 'Sanju,' and 'Animal,' is now playing Lord Rama. She noted that times have changed: previously, artists were often limited to one type of role. Now, people find it difficult to imagine her in any other role, which prompted her to move into production.
Regarding Yash, Deepika expressed confidence in his ability to convincingly play Ravana, although she stressed that the audience's emotional connection still belongs to Ramanagan Sagar's 'Ramayana.' She said she had seen some of Yash's work and is confident that he will look powerful in the role of Ravana. However, she believes it is very difficult to erase the old 'Ramayana' from people's memory. If this film were released 50 years from now, perhaps people would forget the old cast, but right now these memories are fresh.
Wishing luck to the entire film team, Deepika noted that all participants are extremely talented, and she is confident that audiences will want to watch this film at least once. She named the main strength of their 'Ramayana' as the fact that every actor perfectly matched their character. She also mentioned that the music by Ravindra Jain was an important reason for its success. The new project, directed by Nitish Tiwari, will be released in two parts. In it, Ranbir Kapoor will play Lord Rama, Sai Pannavi will play Mata Sita, and Yash will play Ravana. Besides them, Sani Deol (Hanuman), Ravi Dubey (Lakshman), Arun Govil (Dasharath), Lara Datta, Rakul Preet Singh, Kunal Kapoor, Shiba Chadha, and Adinath Kotare will also take part in important roles. This mega-project with a budget of around 4000 crore rupees has merged the music of Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman for the first time. 'Ramayana: Part 1' will be released in theaters in December 2026, and 'Part 2' in December 2027.
The Olhar Digital News broadcast from Thursday, July 23, covered various events, including the delay of the SpaceX Starship rocket launch and new security measures from Google.
SpaceX has once again postponed the launch of its Starship mega-rocket. This operation, which was scheduled for Thursday, the 23rd, is the thirteenth attempt to send the vehicle into space.
Google introduced a video selfie feature as a new method for account recovery and fraud prevention. This tool is intended for users who have lost access to their usual mobile phone or computer. It works by registering the face from different angles for comparisons and verifying the owner's identity.
According to the 20th Brazilian Annual Public Safety Yearbook, 830,890 cases of theft or mobile phone robbery were registered in Brazil in 2025, averaging 95 devices per hour. The report indicates a shift in criminal activity to the virtual environment, noting a record over two million fraudulent schemes conducted through social media and applications, as well as an increase in cyberbullying against children and adolescents.
