Sirkap

Sirkap (Urdu and Punjabi: سرکپ) is the name of an archaeological site on the bank opposite to the city of Taxila, Punjab, Pakistan.

The city of Sirkap was built by the Greco-Bactrian king Demetrius after he invaded modern-day Pakistan around 180 BC.

Numerous Hellenistic artifacts have been found, in particular coins of Greco-Bactrian kings and stone palettes representing Greek mythological scenes.

Gondophares, the first king of the Indo-Parthian Kingdom, built parts of the city including the double headed eagle stupa and the temple of the sun god.

A Greek religious temple of the Ionic order is also visible at the nearby site of Jandial (650 meters (2,130 ft) from Sirkap), but there is a possibility that it may have been dedicated to a Zoroastrian cult.

The site of Sirkap bears witness to the city-building activity of the Indo-Greeks during their occupation of the Indian territory for close to two centuries, as well as their integration of other faiths, especially Buddhism.

It is assumed that this Stupa was uprooted and thrown to its present location by a strong earthquake in the 1st century AD.

The Greek philosopher Apollonius of Tyana is related to have visited ancient India, and specifically the city of Taxila in the 1st century AD.

Map of Sirkap excavations.
The Greco-Bactrian king Demetrius (r.c. 200–180 BC), founder of Sirkap.
Main archaeological artifacts from the Indo-Greek strata at Taxila . From top, left: *Fluted vase with bead and reel design (Bhir Mound, stratum 1) *Cup with rosace and decorative scroll (Bhir Mound, stratum 1) * Stone palette with individual on a couch being crowned by standing woman, and served (Sirkap, stratum 5) *Handle with double depiction of a philosopher (Sirkap, stratum 5/4) *Woman with smile (Sirkap, stratum 5) *Man with moustache (Sirkap, stratum 5) (Source: John Marshall "Taxila, Archaeological excavations").
The round Stupa at Sirkap.
The round room of the Apsidal Temple.