The ancient history of Afghanistan, also referred to as the pre-Islamic period of Afghanistan, dates back to the prehistoric era and the Helmand civilization around 3300–2350 B.C. Archaeological explo
Arachosia, Aria and Bactria were the more eastern ancient satraps of the Achaemenid Empire that made up most of what is now Afghanistan during 500 B.C. The inhabitants of Arachosia were known as Pactyans, possibly today's Pakhtuns or Pashtuns.
Bilingual edict (Greek and Aramaic) by Emperor Ashoka, from Kandahar – Afghan National Museum. (Click image for translation.)
Coin of the Greco-Bactrian king Eucratides (171-145 BC)
Silver tetradrachm of Kushan king Heraios (1–30 AD) in Greco-Bactrian style, with horseman crowned by the Greek goddess of victory Nike. Greek legend: ΤVΡΑΝΝΟVΟΤΟΣ ΗΛΟV – ΣΛΝΛΒ – ΚΟÞÞΑΝΟΥ "Of the Tyrant Heraios, Sanav, the Kushan" (the meaning of "Sanav" is unknown).
Helmand culture
Videos
The Helmand culture, c. 3300–2350 BCE, was a Bronze Age culture that flourished mainly in the middle and lower valley of the Helmand River, originally in eastern Iran and southern Afghanistan, predomi
Ancient history of Afghanistan
…The ancient history of Afghanistan, also referred to as the pre-Islamic period of Afghanistan, dates back to the prehistoric era and the Helmand civilization around 3300–2350 B.C. Archaeological exploration began in Afghanistan in earnest after World War II and proceeded until the late 1970s during the…
Pottery vessel from Shahr-e Sukhteh