The history of the present capital of Uzbekistan, the city of Tashkent, began over 2,000 years ago. It was first mentioned in written sources found in China; it was called the city of Shi, Chzhemi, Yueni. It’s another name is related to the period of 2 - 1 centuries BC- Shash-Tepa (Chach-Tepa). In the early Middle Ages the city was called Binkent. However, since the 11th century the city has been known by its current name, Tashkent, which can be translated as “a stone city” (from Uzbek "tosch" meaning “stone”).