Today, the Mysticals woke up quite early. It was Christmas after all! The Gifted Four walked around in the dorm room wearing fuzzy socks and funny Christmas sweaters! They exchanged gifts. Orak was gifting his friends a trip in his tempus machine – they could go anywhere anytime!
As Felix and Scorch were thinking where they’d like to go, Verum immediately had an answer. She said, “Oh, Orak! A group of Italian and Pakistani archaeologists has excavated a 2,300-year-old Buddist temple recently. The temple was excavated in the Swat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan. Pakistan is a country in Asia. Could we just observe them as they make this important discovery?”
Archaeologists are scientists who study ancient remains such as pottery, seals, temples, weapons, and so on. They find such objects through excavation (digging up the site). Then they study these thoroughly and discover more about ancient humans and world history.
“Let’s do it,” said Orak. The Mysticals climbed aboard his tempus machine. Off they went!
On their way, Verum explained to the Mysticals, “Buddhism is a religion based on the teachings of Gautama Buddha who lived between the 6th BCE and 4th BCE. According to his teachings, there is suffering and pain in the world and in life. But one has to break this cycle by living a balanced life. That is, by not indulging in too many luxuries yet not denying the comforts of life. Buddha’s teachings spread all over the world. They also reached the northwest.”
When the Mysticals reached the excavation site, they observed the joint team of Italian and Pakistani archaeologists carefully trying to unearth artifacts. Verum said, “Look! They found at least 2,700 artifacts like coins, rings, pots, and writing.
Did you know this archaeological site was located in an ancient Buddhist city called Bazira? Archaeologists claim that it is older than the Taxila, another important and ancient archaeological site in Pakistan!”
“Whoa, I hope they find many such cool remains!” said Orak as the Mysticals continued to observe the archaeologists at work.