Above, Huffman films one of the temples fated for destruction. The ruins extend over about a quarter of a mile. The Buddhists who first migrated to the area 2,000 years ago also seemed to have been attracted by the copper deposit, which they likely used to make tools. During the Bronze Age -- from 2300 B.C. to 1700 B.C. -- humans learned to smelt copper, invented writing, and revolutionized agriculture. Coins, glass, tools, and manuscripts dating back to the time of Alexander the Great have been found here, although archeologists estimate that only 10 percent of the ruins have even been uncovered.
Brent E. Huffman
