Earthquake Allows Rare Glimpse Into Barn's Past--and Future

摘要

A massive effort to rebuild this Iranian city should give scientists a chance to learn a great deal about the world's largest mud-brick complex. BAM, IRAN--When the earth shook in the early morning of 26 December in this rough frontier town near thePakistan border, it buried alive perhaps half of the city's 100,000 people. The devastating quake took more than lives: It also laid waste to the city's restored old town and massive fortress--the largest mud-brick complex in the world--and unearthed ancient bones, pottery, and architectural features that had long been buried.