Archaeological Site More Than 2,000 Years Old Discovered in Eastern Afghanistan
An archaeological site possibly dating to a period prior to the birth of Christ has been discovered in Afghanistan’s eastern Laghman Province, according to a statement released on Sunday by the Provincial Department of Culture. The discovery expands knowledge of the ancient civilizations that once inhabited the region and reinforces the historical importance of Afghan territory, often associated with ancient cultural and commercial routes of Central Asia.
The site was located in the Alingar District, specifically in the village of Situn, situated in the Saw Valley. According to local authorities, the area had been under observation following reports of ancient structures visible on the surface. These observations led to the initiation of preliminary archaeological excavations.
During the initial fieldwork, researchers identified several architectural remains considered significant. Among the findings are a stone staircase, twelve interconnected chambers, and other structural elements indicating the existence of a sophisticated architectural complex.
According to the official statement, these features suggest that the site held functional or ceremonial importance during a remote historical period.
Initial analyses indicate that the site dates back to a time preceding the Christian era. Although more in-depth studies are still required to precisely determine the complex’s chronology and original function, specialists believe the discovery may provide new insights into the earliest civilizations that occupied the Laghman region.
Historically, the area is recognized as a point of contact between different cultures, shaped by empires and trade routes that crossed what is now Afghan territory over the centuries.
The Department of Culture emphasized that the site has the potential to make a significant contribution to understanding the province’s ancient history, as well as to the study of the social, architectural, and religious dynamics of the populations that lived there more than two thousand years ago.
Despite the identification of numerous archaeological sites throughout Afghanistan, authorities acknowledged that effective monitoring and protection of these locations remain limited, raising concerns about long-term preservation and the risk of damage.
Laghman Province has previously been the site of other important archaeological discoveries. In recent years, several historical sites have been identified, cataloged, and officially registered, revealing a rich and still largely unexplored cultural heritage.
