Relationship between the rise and decline of ancient Loulan Town and environmental changes

Located in the central Asia, ancient Loulan Town was a place of strategic importance to the ancient Silk Road. According to the historical records, it was flourishing during the period from the second century B. C. to the third century A. D. However, it was disrecorded suddenly 1400 years ago. Until 1900 it was discovered by a Swedish exploration party. The ruins of Loulan is situated on the west bank of Lop Nur Lake and the delta of the Tarim River (40°29′55″N, 89°55′22″E), and occupies an area of 108 240 m². Two main tributaries of the Tarim River passed by its northern and southern sides respectively and converged into Lop Nur Lake about 100 km eastward. Human civilization of the Loulan Town had been developed in the Stone Age, which was revealed by a lot of stone implements found in the region, and the discovery of the corpse of “Loulan Beauty” proved the continuity of economic development. During several centuries around the Christian era, Loulan had become a place of strategic importance on the Silk Road because its superior geographical position and natural conditions. The decline of ancient Loulan Town was caused by natural change of the river courses and rapid environmental deterioration.