[RightWhale]

Afghanistan was once a scientific and cultural capital of the planet. It was Persian territory at the time. They had astronomical instruments of all kinds, perhaps even a telescope, who knows.

[indcons]

“Afghanistan was once a scientific and cultural capital of the planet. It was Persian territory at the time.”

At times, it was Persian territory. However, the Persian influence came much later - well after Persia and Afghanistan had been converted to Islam. For the vast majority of its ancient history, Afghanistan was Hindu and Buddhist.

In terms of influences, the ancient Hindus, Buddhists, and Greeks (Selucid dynasties) played the major role in shaping Afghan culture and civilization.

[Turret Gunner A20]

From the article: And why is it in their many astronomical reports on clay tablets there is no mention of such a device? Maybe because It's kind small -- particularly as compared to the Pyramids -- and, as I seem to remember, they aren't mentioned in the Bible -- or anywhere in existing ancient Egyptian documents, either.

[Cvengr]

OTOH, maybe it was from an Assyrian corner kitsch shop, Aisle 3, fifth shelf, right next to the Egyptian pug...

[SunkenCiv]

The Assyrian Nimrud lens would be around 9th century BC, a while before the Assyrians exiled the Israelite tribes, some of whome wound up in Central Asia.