Ancient city discovered in India

Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of a fortified urban center which flourished 2,500 years ago in the eastern state of Orissa in India.

Researchers say the items found during the excavation point to a highly developed urban settlement.

The population of the city could have been in the region of 20,000 to 25,000, the archaeologists claim.

The excavations include 18 stone pillars, pottery, terracotta ornaments and bangles, finger rings, ear spools and pendants made of clay.

The estimates of population size and period are very much speculative at this point, however. Only a small fraction of the city has been excavated so far. Unfortunately, most of the area within the fortifications is privately owned, so there’s a chance it will remain unexcavated, especially since sprawl is pushing development dangerously close to the perimeter.