Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Turkmenistan, stands as a testament to millennia of human civilization, once thriving as a key stop on the Silk Road. This archaeological treasure showcases remnants of successive empires, including the Achaemenids, Parthians, Sassanids, and Islamic dynasties, with structures like mausoleums, mosques, and fortified walls. Its historical significance lies in its role as a cultural and economic hub, blending Eastern and Western influences until its decline after a Mongol invasion in the 13th century. Today, it remains a well-preserved window into the ancient world.

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