About 30 kms from Kabul; Mes Aynak; is a trove of Buddhist monastery ruins; statues; and stupas attesting to the prolific role that Afghanistan played in the proliferation of Buddhism in Central and East Asia. Currently being excavated as a copper mine; rescue excavations began in 2009. Work was undertaken by the National Institute of Archaeology and the Delegation Archeologique Francaise en Afghanistan. Part of the monastic compound was excavated; leading to the discovery of a vaulted chapel; monks' cells and storerooms.

Polychrome terracotta statues were also found; including a sleeping Buddha. A monastery complex has also been dug out; revealing hallways and rooms decorated with frescoes and filled with clay and stone statues of standing and reclining Buddhas; some as high as 10 ft (3m); more than 150 statues have been found so far though many remain in place. Pictures From History Jerome Starkey