Glass Beads From the Yuezhi Period at Rabat Cemetery, Uzbekistan: Geochemical Evidence for Early Ancient Silk Road Interactions

This study employs LA‐ICP‐MS to analyze 19 glass beads from the Yuezhi‐period Rabat Cemetery (2nd century bce –1st century ce ) in Northern Bactria, Uzbekistan. Natron, plant ash, potash glass, and one Early IPAN glass were identified, with the plant‐ash glasses further divided into low‐ and high‐alumina groups. Trace elements indicate diverse sources, including the eastern Mediterranean, West and South Asia, and possibly Central Asia production. These results suggest Northern Bactria was integrated into transregional Silk Road networks, acting as a convergence area for trade. This study provides new evidence for cultural interactions and the exchange of glass products in Central Asia, although evidence for local production remains limited.