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PESHAWAR, Nov 03 (APP):Italian experts have discovered some eight new historical sites during recent archaeological explorations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in an area stretching from Swat to Taxila.
According to Dr. Luca, Director of the Italian Archaeological Mission, remains of a 1,200-year-old small temple have been unearthed in Barikot, offering rare evidence of the region’s continuous cultural heritage.
These discoveries were made by Italian archaeologists in collaboration with the provincial Department of Archaeology, and excavation work has already begun.
Research indicates that these areas were inhabited from ancient times through the Muslim period, and among the discoveries is also a fort dating back to the Ghaznavid era.
Dr. Luca, Director of the Italian Archaeological Mission, stated that the excavation at Barikot Bazira revealed the remains of the ancient temple. The current phase of excavation is being expanded towards the Swat River to establish a protective buffer zone around the site.
Under this three-year project, more than 400 local workers will be employed and trained in excavation, preservation, and archaeological research.
The initiative, known as the “Khyber Path” project, was launched on June 1, 2025, aiming to promote regional development, professional training, and tourism.
So far, Italian experts have discovered over 50 historical sites across KP, showcasing the region’s rich history from the Stone Age to the eras of Alexander the Great, Buddhism, Hindu Shahi, Greek, and Islamic civilizations.