Thursday, 17th June 2004 (3413 views)

Thousands of pieces of ancient treasure known as "Bactrian gold" have been discovered in an underground vault in Pakistan.

The collection of ancient Afghan treasure has around 20,400 pieces in total, which were worn by an ethnic group known for horseback riding, according to the Pak Tribune.

First found in 1979, the intricately designed and flamboyant jewellery then disappeared after being temporarily kept in the Kabul museum, but the pieces were found preserved underneath the presidential palace.

The discovery has been welcomed by archaeologists as it is key to studies of the Silk Road civilisation and because it represents the culture of the ancient Bactrian kingdom.

Pieces have been examined by the Afghan transitional government in an inventory check and they were all intact.

This year the pieces will be displayed on the Internet to avoid looting, due to the current security situation in Afghanistan.

 

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