Ca' Foscari Archaeologists Unearth 100-Meter Monument at Taxila, Pakistan
In mid-August 2026, the Italian Archaeological Mission from Università Ca' Foscari Venezia made a significant discovery in the Taxila region of Pakistan at Jandial. They unearthed a massive stone structure measuring nearly 100 meters in length and over 50 meters in width, with walls standing at least one meter high. While the purpose of the building remains uncertain, its considerable size hints at potential public or religious functions. This site is situated directly across from the Ionic temple of Jandial, close to the ancient city of Sirkap. British archaeologist Alexander Cunningham first documented it in 1864. The Khyber PATH project, supported by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, is focused on safeguarding the site from urban development challenges.
Fatti principali
- A stone monument nearly 100 meters long and over 50 meters wide was found at Jandial in Taxila, Pakistan.
- The Italian Archaeological Mission of Università Ca' Foscari Venezia began excavations in mid-August 2026.
- Walls are preserved to at least one meter in height, with higher sections in some points.
- The structure sits opposite the Ionic temple of Jandial, outside the walls of ancient Sirkap.
- British archaeologist Alexander Cunningham first recorded the structure in 1864.
- Luca Maria Olivieri directs the mission and is a professor at Ca' Foscari.
- The Khyber PATH project covers eight sites between the Swat valley and Taxila and is funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation.
- Bazira-Barikot entered the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list in 2026, and urban expansion threatens the archaeological area.
Entità
Artisti
- Alexander Cunningham
- Luca Maria Olivieri
Istituzioni
- Università Ca' Foscari Venezia
- Italian Archaeological Mission
- Directorate General of Archaeology and Museums of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
- Italian Agency for Development Cooperation
- UNESCO
Luoghi
- Jandial
- Taxila
- Pakistan
- Sirkap
- Gandhara
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
- Swat valley
- Bazira-Barikot
- Sirsukh
- Kacha-Kot
- Italy
- Venice