In the line of fire

• Autores: Andrew Lawler
• Localización: New scientist, ISSN 0262-4079, Nº. 3040, 2015, págs. 31-35
• Idioma: inglés
• Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
• Resumen

  • The Taliban attack, in May 2013, was an attempt to overrun the heavily guarded compound that is home to one of Central Asia's largest Buddhist ruins, an international team of archaeologists--and a group of Chinese miners. It failed, but resistance came at a cost. Excavating ancient sites is typically dirty and backbreaking work. But at Mes Aynak, 2,500 m up in the Hindu Kush mountains, archaeologists must also cope with the threat of violence and stray landmines planted long ago by Soviet forces. The site was once a key stop on the ancient Silk Road connecting Europe, India and China. It was occupied for at least a millennium by monks, artisans, traders and soldiers. They left behind a dazzling array of stupas, walled monasteries, workshops and homes filled with thousands of Buddhist statues, paintings, manuscripts, coins and gem-encrusted jewelry. Here, Lawler discusses the race to save the lost temple city that at risk from its own wealth.