ROME.- History buffs and visitors in Rome have a rare treat in store. Today marks the opening of a spectacular archaeological exhibition, "Ancient Civilizations of Turkmenistan," held in the magnificent Palazzo dei Conservatori at the Capitoline Museums. Running until April 12, 2026, this is the first time an international audience will get to explore such a rich collection of treasures from a region that was a vital crossroads of the ancient world.

Stepping into the ground floor halls is like time-traveling through millennia, from the Bronze Age to the Hellenistic era. The exhibition masterfully highlights two key periods: the highly sophisticated protohistoric Margiana (3rd-2nd millennium BC) and the mighty ancient Parthian Empire (2nd century BC – 1st century AD).

The real draw lies in the masterpieces that have traveled out of Turkmenistan for the very first time. Visitors can gaze upon exquisite gold and semi-precious stone necklaces from Gonur-tepe, remnants of the Margiana culture. But perhaps the most captivating artifacts are from Nisa, the heart of the Parthian Empire, which famously rivaled Rome. Here, you'll find powerful clay heads—portraits of sovereigns and warriors—and dazzlingly decorated ivory rytha (drinking horns) . These objects showcase an astonishing artistic refinement that blossomed at the intersection of East and West.

The exhibition underscores Turkmenistan’s strategic role as a crucial nexus connecting Mesopotamia, the Iranian plateau, and the Indus Valley. From the Margiana's place at the core of the Greater Khorasan Civilization to the vast Parthian Empire, these objects tell a compelling story of shared political, economic, and cultural life. It's a powerful reminder that while empires rise and fall, the exchange of ideas and culture along trade routes like the eventual Silk Road has always shaped humanity.

Organized by Roma Capitale and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and curated by a team of Italian and Turkmen experts including Claudio Parisi Presicce, Barbara Cerasetti, Carlo Lippolis, and Mukhametdurdy Mamedov, this show is an unmissable opportunity to unlock a complex, lesser-known, and deeply expressive chapter of Central Asian history. Don't miss your chance to witness these extraordinary pieces before they return home.