Ancient settlements prove that the earliest architecture can be found in Sapallitepa (14th–17th centuries BC) and Jarkutan (9th–14th centuries BC). Buddhist monuments, namely Fayaz Tepa and Karatepa, have also been found in the Surhandarya region (1st–3rd centuries AD). Each of these sites reflect the different stages of Central Asian civilization. The ancient city of Khorezm is a significant factor in Uzbek architecture. Khorezm was established 982 years before Alexander the Great invaded Central Asia, over 34 centuries ago. Settlements of ancient Khorezm antiquity are defined by notable architecture, such as Janbaskala (4th century BC), Koi Krilgankala (2nd century BC–4th century AD), Toprakkala (1st century BC–6th century AD) and Ayazkala (2nd century BC, in the territory of Republic of Karakalpakstan). Bukhara, Samarkand, and Khiva played a vital role in the influence of Middle Ages architecture in Uzbekistan. For instance, palaces of the rulers, aristocratic places of residence, market places, madrasas, and mausoleums are confirmed as exceptional architectural examples. The Kyrk-Kyz ("Forty Girls") mansion in Termez, dating back to the 9th and 10th centuries, is a fine example of an original country manor. The Samanids Mausoleum in Bukhara still stands as a fine architectural building from the period of the early Middle Ages. In the 11th and 12th centuries, Samarkand became one of the major cities in the region. The public square in Registan was termed "the noblest public square in the world" by Lord Curzon, and it remains the main artwork and heart of the ancient city. Registan is framed by three madrasas (Islamic schools) of distinctive Islamic architecture: the Ulugh Beg Madrasah (1417–1420), the Tilla-Kari Madrasah (1646–1660), and the Sher-Dar Madrasah (1619–1636). The Ulugh Beg Madrasa was built in the Timurid Empire era of Timur, known as Tamerlane. The madrasa features a lancet-arch ("pishtaq"), or main square entrance. High minarets highlight each corner.