Balkh, Afghanistan

Travelers who are interested in history of the ancient world should definitely visit the city of Balkh, in Afghanistan. Its history goes back to more than 3500 years, to 1500 BC. Population of the modern city is about 80,000 people, but it’s still difficult to imagine that a few thousand years ago it has been ten times more. The heyday of the ancient city coincided with the heyday of the Silk Road, in those days, Balkh had the status of the greatest city and at least a million people have been living on its territory.

The major religious and commercial city raised its outstanding artisans and farmers; even today old crafts are among its distinctive features. Art of tanning has being perfected here for more than one hundred years, as well as the art of growing almonds and melons. Guests of the modern city will be able to stroll through the colorful markets, look into antique and handicraft shops and feel the unhurried pace of life of the city.

The historic district of Bala Hissar is popular among fans of exciting excursions, as there are ruins of buildings of more than 3,000 years old. In addition to old fortification walls and the ruins of ancient buildings, you can see the remaining pieces of the legendary Buddhist monastery, which was built here in 630. In the 13th century, when Genghis Khan has conquered the city, much of the priceless buildings were destroyed, but the spirit of the historic old town remained the same. Next - Thebes