Pidaev Sh.R.

Key words: Old Termez, gems, impressions, iconography, technique of the images, chronology.
The article covers the impressions on pottery and the engraved semi-precious gemstones from Old Termez site in Uzbekistan. The author gives detailed descriptions of the images (anthropomorphic figure of a ruler with attributes of power; sitting figure in possibly religious context, with Buddhist attributes; zoomorphic figures (winged stallion, scorpion, hare, and partridge); floral motif of tulip-shaped flower), and of their symbolism. The article offers analogies and datings and identifies the chronological stages within the period from the 3d to the 5th cc. on the basis of the iconography and technique of the images. The author advances the hypothesis that most of the engraved gems were of local manufacture, which indicates development of the jewelry craft in Old Termez in the Early Middle Ages.