Uzbekistan boasts numerous ancient settlements like Afrasiab (Samarkand, 7th century BC), Termez (Kushan Empire, 3rd century BC), Bukhara (over 2,000 years old), Khiva's Itchan Kala (UNESCO site, 6th century), Shahrisabz (Timur's birthplace, 14th century), and Uzgen (11th century)