Taxila: Pakistan’s ancient city

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Located about 50 kilometers from Islamabad, Taxila is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world.

It was conquered by different powers throughout history, including the Achaemenid and Mauryan empires, and many great rulers like Alexander walked its paths.

Among Buddhists, the place is known as home to the world's first university. Many people visit the site today to experience the wonders of an ancient civilization.

Over the past three decades, Taxila caretaker Ramzan Abbasi has been looking after Jaulian, the site of a Buddhist monastery that some consider the world's oldest university.

He's now an authority on Buddhist history, culture, and life.

Jaulian, the site of a Buddhist monastery. /CGTN Photo

On the remains of the four settlements in Taxila, Ramzan said they reveal a pattern of urban evolution in the Indian subcontinent over more than five centuries.

"During the Buddhist period, the style of construction was such that small stones supported the bigger rocks and boulders on the walls. They acted like shock absorbers during earthquakes," he told Assignment Asia.

In 1975, Pakistan passed a law declaring Taxila to be a protected antiquity.

Ancient sculpture on the wall. /CGTN Photo

Apart from protecting Taxila's historical sites, authorities are also working to preserve their authenticity and original designs.

Assignment Asia is CGTN's award-winning current affairs program featuring long-form stories and documentaries on some of the most pressing issues in the region. The show airs Saturdays at 1330 and 2130 GMT, with replays every Sunday at 0630, Monday at 0130, and Tuesday at 0530.