Afghan Archeologists Uncover Buddhist Site

As Western and Afghan forces battle Taliban Islamists for control of Afghanistan, archaeologists have discovered major relics of the country's Buddhist past in an area south of Kabul. The artifacts date back at least to the 5th century AD, and possibly to the era before Christ. "There is a temple, stupas, beautiful rooms, big and small statues, two with the length of seven and nine meters, colorful frescoes ornamented with gold and some coins," an Afghan archaeology official told Reuters yesterday.

The archeologists appealed for foreign investment to protect and preserve the newly discovered relics and to help with further excavations. The Afghan government hopes to build an on-site museum in the remote area, since it doesn't have the resources to move the relics elsewhere.
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