Introduction

This report presents the results of the excavations carried out by the Italian Archaeological Mission in Pakistan, organised by ISMEO and Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, at the ancient urban site of Barikot (ancient Bazira) in 2023 and 2024. The excavation is led by the Mission’s Director, Prof. Luca M. Olivieri, and Deputy Director, Dr Elisa Iori in collaboration with specialists, both International and Pakistani. The report serves as a continuation of the previous lengthy report also published in East and West in 2023. The excavation is being conducted in collaboration with Dr Abdul Samad, Director General of Archaeology and Museums for the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. The report presents the results of three large trenches covering urban phases ranging from the 1st century BCE to the 5th century CE. Key findings include the discovery of a stupa built during a post-urban phase associated with Kidarite coins, the identification of the northern boundary of the city in the pre-Kushan period, the discovery of areas for pottery production and firing in the peri-urban spaces to the north of the city, and the discovery of part of the city’s road network during the Kushan phases. The materials associated with the excavations and described here include sculptures, pottery, ornaments, inscriptions and coins, as well as a significant quantity of organic remains, particularly seeds.