SWAT: Italian and Pakistani archaeologists have uncovered ruins from three ancient civilisations at Bazira (Barikot) heritage site in Swat. These discoveries, spanning the Indo-Greek, Shahi and Ghaznavid periods, mark a significant milestone for heritage research and preservation in the region.

The excavation, preservation and conservation efforts are being led by Prof Luca Maria Olivieri, head of the Italian Archaeological Mission in Pakistan, in collaboration with the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Archaeologists have unveiled a significant portion of the Indo-Greek fortification, approximately two meters below ground on the western terrace of Bazira hill. “This ancient structure, believed to have been partially dismantled during the Kushan period (late 1st century AD), overlays older pits and smaller structures dating back to the Iron and Bronze Ages (1200-800 BCE and 1700-1400 BCE),” said Dr Olivieri.

He added that the layers held valuable artifacts that offered new insights into early settlement patterns in the region.

Excavations reveal ruins of Indo-Greek, Shahi and Ghaznavid periods

Additionally, the team has been restoring over 300 meters of Shahi and Ghaznavid-era fortifications, which rise up to 20 meters above the ground. These monumental structures dominate Bazira hill’s skyline and are visible from various points across the Swat Valley.

“Earlier excavations on the eastern terrace revealed a Buddhist sacred area, remains of a Vishnu temple and large portions of a Ghaznavid quarter. The current season’s focus on the western terrace has led to the discovery of an Islamic religious structure from the Ghaznavid period, as well as remnants of a necropolis outside the fortification,” said D Olivieri. He thanked Dr Abdul Samad, director archaeology and museums, for his vision to project the Bazira heritage.

Michela Prota, a student from the University of Ca’ Foscari Venezia, Italy, participating in her fourth excavation in Pakistan, expressed the significance of these layered discoveries. “This year, we managed to open a trench dating back to the Indo-Greek period. Importantly, this trench is close to another trench from the Ghaznavid period, allowing us to compare these two different historical phases,” she explained.

Dr Michele Minardi, an assistant professor at the University of Naples, and a member of the Italian archaeological team, highlighted the importance of the newly-discovered wall. “This discovery is crucial not only for understanding the chronological sequence of the site through archaeological evidence but also for preserving it for future generations,” he said, noting that the wall contains elements from the Indo-Greek, Kushan, Turk Shahi, Hindu Shahi and Ghaznavid periods.

The team members said that excavations and restoration work were ongoing, with further updates anticipated in the coming weeks as they continued to unlock Bazira’s rich historical legacy.

Published in Dawn, November 5th, 2024