THE REPRESENTATION OF USTRUSHANA’S HISTORY IN NUMISMATIC SOURCES

Abstract

 This article examines the historical development of Ustrushana based on numismatic sources—specifically, coins. The study analyzes the fact that the names of local rulers such as Chirdmish, Satachari, and Raxanch, which appear on coins, are not recorded in written sources. However, these numismatic monuments provide critical evidence for the existence of an independent or semi-autonomous political structure in Ustrushana. Furthermore, the article provides a scholarly analysis of the connections between Ustrushana’s coinage traditions and those of Sasanian Iran, Byzantium, and India, highlighting the region's active participation in international trade and cultural exchange. Through an examination of iconographic features and minting techniques, the study reveals Ustrushana’s geopolitical significance, economic system, and cultural identity within the context of Central Asia. The article emphasizes the importance of numismatics as an independent historical source and demonstrates its potential to uncover new historical facts.