Abstract
Such a geographically large realm as the Seleukid Empire could seldom boast to be internally homogenous and unite, with an enemy standing only beyond its borders. The forts within this empire, such as those on the Euphrates and Oxus, demonstrate the need to defend strategic points on long-distance routes and fords or ferries seemingly far from the outer border.
However, any construction of a fortification system within the territory signals weak, neuralgic points. The fortification system located along the supposed border of Bactria and Sogdiana around so-called Iron Gates may indicate a shift in the outer border of the empire from Syr Darya to the Baysuntau ridge, or rather to illustrate the internal conflict between the distant king's representatives and renegades.
Increased military activity on the border of the historic Bactria and Sogdiana regions and the associated construction of forts, towers, long walls and other related fortification elements went hand in hand with the settlement of the previously almost barren foothills of the Baysun and Kugitang Mountains. The results of new archaeological surface surveys and excavations in the Surkhandarya province of southern Uzbekistan offer a comprehensive view of the dramatic transformation in the settlement of this region during the 3rd century BC related primarily to the warfare activities, having at the same time social, economic and other aspects.