Misteri Hancurnya Kota Kuno Afghanistan, Terkubur di Gurun Pasir 2000 Tahun

"Mystery of the Destruction of Ancient City in Afghanistan, Buried in the Desert for 2000 Years"

History of the City of Ai-Khonum was discovered.

In the 1960s, the ancient city of Ai-Khanoum in Afghanistan was accidentally discovered, and since then, its ruins have been a fascination for historians and archaeologists for several decades. Founded by one of Alexander the Great's successors, Seleucus I Nicator, this city, which was submerged under desert sands for nearly 2,000 years, is believed to be "Alexandria on the Oxus," a historical city that now attracts the attention of researchers.

The city stands tall on a large rock cliff, guarding its lower part on the lowlands at the confluence of the Kokcha and Amu Darya rivers, known in Latin as the Oxus. Although originally founded by Alexander the Great, scholars suggest the possibility that this easternmost Hellenic city was more likely built by the subsequent Seleucid Empire. This city became a rich center of Hellenistic culture with the steady arrival of Greek immigrants.

Misteri Hancurnya Kota Kuno Afghanistan, Terkubur di Gurun Pasir 2000 Tahun

Ai-Khanoum, as one of the main cities in the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom of Alexander, played an important role as a center of trade and cultural exchange between the Greek-Macedonian world and the native inhabitants of Bactria.

The strategic position on the Silk Road ensures busy economic activities. This city has grown into a cosmopolitan center with Greek-style architecture, featuring magnificent palaces, spacious markets, gymnasiums, and well-planned residential areas.

"Similar to Greek cities, Ai-Khanoum was also designed with a grid layout and inhabited by Greek residents as well as various other ethnic groups."

The collapse of the city of Ai-Khanoum.

Although this city initially developed rapidly, it had to face challenges that resulted in its setback. Its vulnerable location trapped it in competition between the Seleucid Empire and Maurya, both of which sought to control the Silk Road trade route. This geopolitical instability likely undermined the region and the city's ability to maintain its economic and political autonomy.

Details about the collapse of Ai-Khanoum still contain mysteries. Some theories suggest that the city may have fallen due to invasion or military conflict, while others indicate the possibility of natural disasters such as earthquakes or floods. There is also speculation about neglect due to economic decline or a shift in loyalty to religious and cultural centers elsewhere.

Although the exact date of Ai-Khanoum's downfall is poorly documented, this destruction likely occurred in the 2nd century BC. The city was gradually abandoned, and the remaining ruins were eventually buried by sediment layers, disappearing from historical records.

news update

Viral Discovery of Unclad Hercules Statue from the 2nd Century AD

A colossal statue representing the figure of Hercules from the Roman period of the 2nd century AD was discovered by an archaeological team.