When relics speak: Rhyton from Turkmenistan

Old Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Turkmenistan and former capital of the Parthian Empire, was once a thriving center of art, culture, and trade along the ancient Silk Road. The empire left behind remarkable traces of its splendor, including a collection of striking horn-shaped wine vessels unearthed at the site.

Known as rhytons – from the Greek rheo, meaning "to flow" – these elaborately crafted vessels, with richly decorated lower sections, were likely used in rituals and ceremonies.

What's fascinating? Similar rhytons have also been found in China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, echoing the far-reaching cultural ties of the past. And now, the spotlight's on them. Here's their moment.