THATTA: Archaeologists and researchers conducting excavations at the historical site of Banbhore Ruins have made significant discoveries this season, including more than a dozen human skeletons, shedding new light on the ancient city’s past.
The exploration is a collaborative effort involving local university students, officials from the Sindh Archaeology Department, and an international team of archaeologists from Italy, with expertise spanning pottery, topography, photography, bone studies, glasswork, and archaeology. The Italian contingent includes Dr Agnese Fusaro, Quaggio Sara, Furno Luca, Damiano Daniele, and Marco Vilory.
Experts suggest that this year’s findings could surpass those of previous seasons due to the size and depth of the man-made mounds, or “bhits,” which formed over centuries as the city collapsed under natural and structural forces.
The exploration is a joint effort involving local university students, officials from the Sindh Archaeology Department and a team of archaeologists from Italy. https://t.co/HIjvllF5ua
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) December 1, 2025
Saleem Palijo, site in-charge at Banbhore, confirmed that alongside the skeletal remains, the team uncovered pottery vessels and other antiquities, all of which have been handed over to the Archaeology Department for scientific analysis to determine their age, origin, and historical significance.
He noted that during the 2024 excavation season, researchers had already unearthed human bones, pottery shards, a pair of elephant tusks—possibly from India or Africa—animal bones, horns, brass coins, clay toys, and an 80kg metallic drum filled with old ivory, all undergoing detailed examination.
You May Also Like: Cybersecurity Act 2025 Vital for National Security, Says IT Minister
“Previous artifacts have been preserved by the Archaeology Department, contributing to efforts to understand Banbhore’s true antiquity and cultural heritage,” Palijo said. He added that the elevated mounds are likely to conceal deeper, richer layers of the ancient settlement, and further excavations could substantially reshape the understanding of the city’s historical timeline.
Banbhore, considered one of Sindh’s most significant archaeological sites, is believed to date back to the 1st century BCE. Some scholars associate it with the early Islamic port of Debal, where Arab general Mohammad bin Qasim is said to have landed in 711 CE. Over centuries, repeated collapses buried the city under layers of silt and debris, forming the massive mounds that continue to attract archaeologists from around the world.
The excavation team plans to continue its work for several more months, hoping to uncover further evidence of the city’s rich past, including artifacts that could provide insights into early urban life, trade, and cultural exchanges in the region.
Check out our latest video:
