Overview:

: Balkh Ruins in Afghanistan are the remains of a large ancient city that was once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Bactria, located in modern-day Balkh province in northern Afghanistan. The ruins of Balkh, including temples, monasteries, citadels, and fortifications, date back to around 500BC and range from the 3rd century BCE Kushan Empire to the 11th century CE Islamic period. Over the years, Balkh has been an important cultural and commercial center, having been a major Silk Road trading post in antiquity and a seat of power in the Persian Empire. The ruins of the city offer a wide range of archaeological artifacts, including coins, ceramics, seals, stone monuments, sculptures, frescoes, and other artifacts. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Afghanistan
Prominent Features:

1. The Balkh Ruins are an archaeological site in northern Afghanistan, situated at the ancient city of Balkh and within Takhar Province. 2. The ruins date back to the 2nd century AD, when the city was a major Buddhist center of the Silk Road. 3. The fortified city has massive brick walls and several stupas encircling it, which are still visible today. 4. Several of the ancient remains are in various states of preservation, including coins, pottery, jewelry, bronze sculptures, wooden artifacts, and large segments of architectural brickwork. 5. The remains of Buddhist monasteries and temples are also present and serve as a reminder of the long history of the city. 6. Of particular importance are the remains of the Buddha Vihar, a large Buddhist temple dating back to the Mauryan period. 7. In recent years, major restoration works have been undertaken to reconstruct the ancient city and conserve these important archaeological remains. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Afghanistan.

History:

# Balkh, located in the north of Afghanistan, was an ancient city that has been inhabited for over 2,500 years. It is believed to have been founded by the Achaemenids of Persia in the 6th century BCE, and was an important center of trade on the Silk Road for centuries. In its heyday, Balkh was known as “the Mother of Cities” and was home to a powerful military and many impressive monuments. Throughout its history, Balkh was conquered and ruled by a variety of rulers and empires, including Alexander the Great, the Arabs, and Genghis Khan. The city was eventually destroyed by the Mongolians in 1220, and it was utterly destroyed and abandoned in the 18th century under the rule of Ahmad Shah Durrani. The ruins of Balkh are now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to their enormous historic importance. The main features of the ruins are a royal palace, an ancient Zoroastrian temple, and the remains of a great stupa. Archaeological excavations have also revealed the remains of fortresses, temples, monasteries, shrines, and workshops, giving insight into the vibrant history of the area. Visit one of the famous monuments of Afghanistan with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The ruins of ancient city Balkh are located in the Balkh Province of Afghanistan and are home to an exquisite selection of archeological monuments from the ancient city's long and multi-layered history. 2. The city’s recorded history goes back to the Achaemenid Empire, under the rule of Cyrus the Great from 554 B.C. 3. Balkh is one of the oldest cities in the world. Its rich history is highlighted through the interesting ruins from various dynasties, the most remarkable period being the rule of the Parthian Dynasty. 4. The city bore witness to many empires, including those of Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, and Timur. 5. Balkh's ruins feature a large number of Buddhist artifacts and stupas built by the Greeks, Romans, and Buddhists. 6. The ruins include many ancient temples, palatial halls, forts, and sections of palace walls, as well as an expansive cemetery. 7. Some of the most notable archaeological sites in the area are the ancient fortress of Darulaman, the ruins of the old city, and the site of the citadel. 8. The city's ruins have served as an inspiration for various films, such as Cinema Paradiso and Kite Runner. 9. The surrounding area is the site of many important religious shrines, relics, and monasteries. 10. The city has also been mentioned in Afghanistan's national anthem, “The Afghan National Anthem”, which reads: Balkh, Herat, Badakhshan, all the towns of the land of Kabul. One of the historical monuments of Afghanistan, it tells the story of a bygone era