Lost mural reveals ancient Silk Road fire ritual

Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. Tucked along the picturesque Zeravshan River in the rocky mountains of northwestern Tajikistan lies the ruins of a forgotten, ancient palace. The monumental royal complex once presided over a bustling city along the Silk Road, not far from modern Tajikistan's border with Uzbekistan. In its heyday, the palace's walls were covered with colorful murals and intricate wooden carvings, most of which have been lost to time--until now. A study recently published in the academic journal recreates and analyzes one of palace's most surprising murals .