Ancient Alexandria Arachosia: Crossroads of Empires

Ancient Alexandria Arachosia, located in present-day Kandahar, Afghanistan, offers a glimpse into a rich and complex past [5, 6]. Founded by Alexander the Great in 330 BC on the site of an earlier Achaemenid fortress, the city quickly rose to prominence as a strategic hub on the Silk Road, connecting Asia and Europe [5, 11]. Arachosia, the ancient region, was geographically defined by the drainage basins of the Helmand, Arghandab, Tarnak, and Arghestan rivers [5]. This location was of vital strategic importance due to its proximity to a mountain pass, a river, and the junction of three long-distance trade routes [6, 5]. The city's significance continued under various empires, including the Seleucid and Mauryan empires, with the city serving as a center for both Greek and Buddhist cultures [7, 5]. Today, the remains of Alexandria Arachosia are found in the Tell of Old Kandahar citadel [5, 11]. Excavations have revealed walls from classical times and a triangular-shaped portion from the Buddhist era [5]. While no ancient Greek buildings have been found, numerous coins, Greek inscriptions, and graves have been discovered [6]. Visiting Ancient Alexandria Arachosia is an opportunity to connect with a pivotal chapter in history, reflecting on the enduring influence of Alexander the Great and the cultural exchanges that occurred in this region [4].