To Face the Loulan

The second-time investigation in Central Asia of Stein started in April 1906. The goal was clear and it was to investigate the relics in the north of Lop Nur found by Hedin in 1900.

On April 4th, Stein arrived at Dalaheer. In Baishawa, he called in all staff, including gauger Lamu·Xinge and Naike·lanmu·Xinge. They set off from Kashmir toward Wahan Valley, by way of Qitenaer and Yaxinyuedakete mountain pass, they arrived at the upper reaches of Anydar’ya River. On June 8th, he arrived at Kash. After investigating the sites of Khotan, Niya and Andeyue, they arrived at Ruoqiang at the early stage of December of the same age and explored the Kroraina site.

When they found all local camels, Stein led over 50 hired workers to set foot on the way to Lop desert in Kroraina. The winter was cold and the ice could be carried for water. The Yardan physiognomy in Lop desert gave deep impression on Stein. The sharp, hard and concavo-convex earth's surface was hard to the camels and they could only walk 14 miles every day. The cold northeaster blew and the weather was fine, and even pure white Tian Mountains could be seen.

On December 17th, Stein saw Kroraina site which Sven·Hedin marked on the map. The large stupa site stood towering in the wind and the clear desert became more desolate and noiseless (picture 9). Stein encamped at the foot of it and dug the site next day.

They found many Chinese writs and Kharosthi writs. And they dug out over 200 writs written in Chinese and Kharosthi in a large dustheap. The date recorded in them showed that the mysterious city had been abandoned from A.D.3 century to A.D.4 century. And it could prove the placename of the site was Kroraina mentioned in ancient Chinese historical book.

Standing on the site of administration office excavated by Sven·Hedin , Stein felt this Swedish state of mind and he found a mental tape measure lost by Sven·Hedin in 1901. Later, when he attend a part held by Royal Geography Institute, Stein returned the tape measure to Sven·Hedin. The achievements he got exceeded those of Sven·Hedin.

When he stood in the elevation of sutpa’s base and saw the desolate and costly site, Stein felt desolation created by the ages. He couldn’t believe the fact in front of him. In the past, an alive and flourishing society stemmed from this place.

In the end of the process of excavation, the work was harder than before and the hire labors were ill. For lack of water, on 29th December, Stein decided to leave here and headed for Dunhuang.

In that morning, Stein left Kroraina in the chilly northeaster with diggings, including Gandhara-style woodcarving and basso-relievo, beautiful carpet debris, painted furniture, fine embroidered shoe and bronze artworks.

In January 1914, Stein returned back to Milan and investigated Tarim Basin again. On 10th February, Stein led the camels’ team to arrive at Kroraina site at nightfall.

Stein found several ancient sites near Kroraina site. The city wall was made of tree branches and clay. They cleared many building components and other metal. Stein found some Kharosthi, Prajnaparamita-sutra and Chinese spills near a small castle. He thought the several architectures had been built before the early stage of 4th century.

After clearing the Kroraina site, Stein paid more attention to an isolated tableland about 4 miles away from Kroraina site. They found a set of ancient graves. Stein was dizzied by the various household utensils and textiles. The various silk, aba, bronze mirror and Chinese writ showed it was the relics of Han Dynasty. The brocade of Han Dynasty weaved “made by Han Ren” was colorful and liked the new one. The style of aba definitely showed Sino-European association of the time (Picture 10). A head portrait with typical style of Rome was in a felt relic and Stein thought he was Hemisi (Picture 11).

In the northeast of the isolated mesa, Stein found a castle and he thought it was the garrison place. The style of the castle was the same as others seen on the way. The Chinese writ with a way of numbering the years was found near the northern wall and it was written after 3rd century. They found another grave near the castle and found mummy. Seeing from the felt hat with feather and other captured things, arrow body, and woolen and clean basket, it was a nomad. This was Stein’s research conclusion.

Overlooking the deeply-sleep Kroraina residents and accepting the fantastic feeling face to face, Stein backed to the remote antiquity. Stein had returned back to the real world until he heard the camels’ bells.

After the excavation, Stein walked eastwardly and arrived at Dunhuang.

Compiled by www.travel-silkroad.com
Translated by www.xinghui.com
February 12th, 2001