Archaeologists discover 'meticulously constructed' ancient fort atop Pakistani mountain

A six-month archaeological expedition in the remote Buner district of Pakistan turned up hundreds of previously unknown archaeological sites and, consequently, new insights into a civilization dating back to 6 BCE. One site in particular — a "fort-like structure" in the Gandhao mountains — archaeologists say reveals a "great deal" about the civilization with heavy Hindu influences. "Even though 'Gandhao Fort' has been destroyed over time, the few remaining walls indicate it was a well-planned building — meticulously constructed,” Archaeology and Museums Director Abdul Samad told The Express Tribune.

Archaeologists hope that such expeditions will allow a "proper profile" of the region's history to be written. "Reaching most of the places, located on mountainous and difficult terrain, was tiring and time-consuming, but the results show great promise," Samad said.

At this point, archaeologists still cannot "pin down [Buner's] exact history in detail," Samad said, but the sites can be traced back to the Hindu era. "The future," Samad said, "looks promising."

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