The Keeper of the Keys and the Mystery of the Bactrian Gold - WSJ

KABUL, Afghanistan -- After years of obscurity and a few months in jail, Ameruddin Askarzai is about to be recognized for helping save Afghanistan's gold. His role, in fact, was key.

The team unearthed gold crowns, belts and gem-encrusted pendants. The artifacts were traced to Bactria, a civilization ruled by nomadic kings and queens. A few hundred years before the birth of Christ, these chieftains yielded to the armies of Alexander the Great, and as a result, Greek influence seeped into Afghanistan's art. Afghan Banker Finally Gets His Due