Swat after the Indo-Greeks – the City, the Sanctuaries and the Economy. An Archaeological Overview on the Saka-Parthian period

• Authors: Coloru Omar , Iori Elisa , Olivieri Luca Maria
• Languages of publication: EN

Abstracts

EN

The article presents an overview of the archaeological data (updated to 2021) from the recent excavations at Barikot, Swat (Pakistan), and preliminary results from ongoing studies of the other archaeological evidence related to the post -Indo -Greek phases in Swat and Gandhara (ca. 50 BC–50 AD). The article introduces some of the most distinctive markers of material culture in this context, as well as the evidence of new fortifications and building activity both in urban centres and Buddhist sanctuaries. The data collected thus far underpin a new interpretation of this little -known historical phase of ancient northwestern India. The phase is characterized by a building program and political vibrancy, which do not correspond with the model of an economic recession advanced by scholars thus far. Indeed, in this framework, the so -called ‘Great Debasement’ attributed to Azes II, might have had alternative implications.

Keywords

EN

Indo-Greek; Saka-Parthian; Azes II; Barikot; Great Debasement

Discipline

• ARCHAEOLOGY: ARCHAEOLOGY

• Publisher: Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Arts, Czech Republic
• Journal: Studia Hercynia
• Year: 2021
• Volume: 25
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 110-135

Contributors

author

Coloru Omar

• University of Bari, DIRIUM

author

Iori Elisa

• Max Weber Centre for Advanced Cultural and Social Studies, University of Erfurt

author

Olivieri Luca Maria

• Ca‘ Foscari University of Venice, Department of Asian and North African Studies