Two years ago, a rich and ancient trove of some of Afghanistan's most treasured archaeological artefacts was rediscovered after lying hidden and feared lost through years of war and instability.

Illustrating about 2,000 years of Afghan history, the items were believed stolen or destroyed as the turbulent country emerged from civil strife and the 2001 fall of the hardline Taliban regime.

Now, a collection of 220 of the objects, which include major ivory, bronze and glassware pieces, will go on display, many rarely or never exhibited before, at a Paris Asian arts museum from December 6.