Ancient Ruins
© The Asian AgeArchaeologist J.R. Bhagat inside the trench with charred patches surrounding him.
Remnants of a burnt ancient city, believed to be dating back to 2nd century BC, have been found in an archaeological site in Tarighat, nearly 30 km from here. The "gutted settlement" reminds one the famed Roman city of Pompeii that got buried under 13-20 feet of ash and pumice in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

The remains of the charred city have been found around 20 feet below Tarighat archaeological site which came into national focus when excavation had brought to surface a 2,500-year-old urban centre in 2013.

"It is a stunning discovery. Our excavation, which began last year, has reached 35 feet deep now. The excavation has so far yielded remains of various settlements that had come up at the site from sixth century AD to second century BC.

A huge burnt patch of around eight feet high was unearthed at 9-12th layer believed to be dating back to second century BC," Tarighat excavation director and archaeologist J.R. Bhagat told this newspaper here on Thursday.

According to him, evidence establishing that the settlement was completely devastated by a huge fire have been found at the site.

The peculiar features, pointing to devastation by fire, have been noticed inside all trenches dug up in the site at the same level. These types of burnt patches are also visible in the sections of the mound which was washed away by flood in river Kharoun. The archaeological site is situated on the bank of river Kharoun.

"In all the trenches at this level long patches of burnt walls, floors, charcoal remains of bamboo, brickbats, pottery, bones and postholes have been found. This indicates that a thriving urban centre had come up there in second century BC which was completely destroyed by fire," he revealed.