Archaeologists have uncovered a massive ancient building opposite a Greek-style temple in Taxila in modern-day Pakistan, raising new questions about the historic city’s past. The structure, nearly 100 meters (330 feet) long, stands across from the famous Jandial temple. Researchers have yet to determine its age or purpose.
An archaeological team from Ca’ Foscari University of Venice discovered the monument during excavations that began in August 2026. The work forms part of the Khyber PATH project, which focuses on archaeological research and heritage preservation in Pakistan.
The newly excavated building, known as Jandial D, measures nearly 100 meters long and more than 50 meters (164 feet) wide. Its surviving walls reach at least one meter (3 feet) high, with some sections standing considerably taller.
Ancient structure dwarfs Taxila’s Greek-style temple
The discovery is significant because of the building’s size and location. Jandial D covers approximately 5,000 square meters (54,000 square feet), more than three times the area of the nearby Jandial temple. British archaeologist John Marshall excavated the temple between 1912 and 1913.
Its design reflects Greek architectural traditions, including two Ionic columns at the entrance. However, the temple also contains unusual structural features. Scholars have suggested that it may have served a Zoroastrian religious purpose, although its original function remains disputed.
A mysterious discovery near an ancient Greek-style temple in Pakistan has puzzled archaeologists.
Excavations at Taxila have revealed a massive building nearly 100 meters long, more than three times the size of the nearby temple. Its purpose remains unknown. pic.twitter.com/upRPEbjXuB
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) October 14, 2026
Taxila, located northwest of Islamabad, was an important center of trade, religion, and cultural exchange. Its history includes the arrival of Alexander the Great in the Indian subcontinent in 326 B.C. The region later came under Mauryan and Indo-Greek rule. UNESCO designated Taxila a World Heritage Site in 1980.
Researchers investigate the building’s mysterious purpose
The newly discovered monument stands outside the walls of Sirkap, an ancient settlement associated with the Greek presence in South Asia. British archaeologist Alexander Cunningham first documented the site in 1864, but researchers had never systematically investigated the structure. Its position suggests that it may have stood beside an important ancient road connecting Sirkap with other parts of Gandhara.
The region became known for its distinctive cultural traditions, including the influence of ancient Greek art on Buddhism. Researchers believe the building could have served a public or religious function. However, they have not established its construction date or identified its original use. Luca Maria Olivieri, director of the archaeological mission, said the monument’s enormous size and strategic location raise important questions about the ancient landscape of Sirkap and Gandhara.
Archaeologists seek to protect Taxila’s ancient heritage
The excavation also highlights growing concerns about modern construction near Pakistan’s archaeological sites. Researchers warn that urban expansion threatens several historic areas around Taxila, including locations protected under UNESCO’s World Heritage designation.
The Khyber PATH project aims to address these challenges through excavation, documentation and conservation work at eight archaeological sites. Further investigations at Jandial D could reveal whether the building had a religious, public, or another purpose. For now, its extraordinary size offers fresh evidence of the monumental architecture that once shaped ancient Taxila.
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