AiKhanoum
Ai Khanoum was a Hellenistic city located in northern Afghanistan, near the confluence of the Kokcha and Amu Darya rivers. It was founded in the 3rd century BCE, likely during the reign of the Seleucid Empire, and flourished as a major center of trade and culture for centuries. Its strategic location made it a vital hub on the Silk Road, connecting the Hellenistic world with Central Asia and India.
Archaeological excavations at Ai Khanoum, beginning in the 1960s, revealed a remarkably well-preserved city. Discoveries included
The city's importance declined with the rise of other powers and shifts in trade routes. It was