Bazira, the ancient city associated with Alexander the Great, is situated in the southern region of the Swat Valley within the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan. Positioned approximately 20 km (12 mi) away from both Mingora and Butkara, it serves as the gateway to the Swat valley and is home to an approximate population of 25,000.
The exploration of the ancient town of Bazira, located beneath the modern settlement of Barikot, has been carried out by the Italian Archaeological Mission (later renamed ISMEO) since 1984, under the guidance of Giuseppe Tucci. Over the years, these excavations have uncovered intriguing ruins, shedding light on the city's historical significance.
During the 1980s and 1990s, the expeditions unearthed remains of an Indo-Greek town dating back to the reign of King Menander I in the 2nd century BCE. However, starting from 2011, a new excavation in the southwestern corner of the site revealed even older settlements. One of these pre-Indo-Greek layers has been dated to the mid-3rd century BCE, placing it within the Mauryan era. It is believed that an earlier settlement existed before being conquered and possibly destroyed by Alexander the Great during the 4th century BCE. Additionally, in close proximity to Bazira, a village belonging to the Gandhara grave culture, spanning the 7th to 8th century BCE, was also discovered. Delving deeper into history, the oldest layer beneath Barikot dates back to 1000-1100 BCE, representing an ancient village of that era.
At its peak during the 2nd century BCE, the town of Bazira covered an area of approximately 12 hectares (30 acres), including the acropolis, or about 7 hectares (17 acres) excluding it. The city was protected by a defensive wall fortified with massive rectangular bastions. Numerous artifacts have been unearthed during the excavations, providing insights into the daily life of Bazira's inhabitants. These artifacts range from coins and pottery to weapons. Among the notable discoveries are significant items highlighting the Buddhist history of Bazira, such as a large green-schist statue of Siddhartha Buddha riding his horse Kanthaka, and a carved representation of a stupa adorned with two lions. Another intriguing statue depicts an unknown deity seated on a throne, characterized by long, curled hair, and holding a wine goblet along with a severed goat head, possibly representing Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, or another local deity.
During the Kushan Empire, Bazira thrived as a major town. However, a series of earthquakes in the 3rd century CE caused extensive devastation. Combined with the decline of the Kushan Empire, these factors ultimately led to the abandonment of Bazira by the end of the 3rd century.
The archaeological excavations at Bazira offer valuable insights into the rich history of the region, tracing back through different cultural and historical periods. The artifacts and structures discovered at this site provide glimpses into the daily lives, religious beliefs, and cultural influences that shaped Bazira over time.
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