Treasure-Hunting in Afghanistan

Afghanistan, Archaeology
Photograph for TIME by Adam Ferguson

What Remains
Located at the crossroads of Asia's major trade routes, Afghanistan drew merchants, artists, nomads and conquerors. Once renowned throughout the ancient world for its fabulous wealth and advanced culture, Balkh now tries to hold on to its history, keeping watch – like this Afghani guard at Haji Piyada – over their remaining treasures.

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