Khiva is an ancient city located in the region of Khorezm, known for its middle age architecture. It was a popular caravan destination due to its strategic location on the Silk Road. Founded in the 5th or 4th centuries B.C. according to archaeologists, Khiva became the capital of the Khiva khanate in the early 16th century. The city flourished with immense architectural projects, but faced destruction and colonization by Iranian forces in 1740. Eventually, the Kungrad dynasty of Khiva khans ruled the city until 1920.