Ai Khanoum — Hellenistic Lower Agora Extension
Hellenistic Seleucid–Graeco-Bactrian (300–145 BCE)·Seleucid–Graeco-Bactrian (Euthydemus)·🇦🇫 Takhar Province, Afghanistan
About
About Ai Khanoum — Hellenistic Lower Agora Extension
Ai Khanoum — Hellenistic Lower Agora Extension in Takhar Province, Afghanistan is a Hellenistic Seleucid–Graeco-Bactrian (300–145 BCE) ancient-city attributed to Seleucid–Graeco-Bactrian (Euthydemus). Southern lower agora extension beyond Corinthian gymnasium at Ai Khanoum on Oxus. Bernard Ai Khanoum Greek city on Oxus with gymnasium 100 × 60 m, theatre 6000 seats, 45 ivory.
Why it mattersKey Gandharan–Kushan monastery illustrating Buddhist expansion
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Gandhara art evolution
- 02Kushan imperial network
Theories
- 01Monastic economy
- 02Greco-Buddhist fusion
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 300 BCE Seleucid; 240 BCE Eucratides palace
- Period
- Hellenistic Seleucid–Graeco-Bactrian (300–145 BCE)
- Culture
- Seleucid–Graeco-Bactrian (Euthydemus)
- Purpose
- Southern lower agora extension beyond Corinthian gymnasium at Ai Khanoum on Oxus
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 300 BCE Seleucid; 240 BCE Eucratides palace
Initial construction
c. 1900 CE
Modern excavation
On the ground
Structures & features
37.1700° N · 69.4200° E · 400 m · 3 mapped features
Ai Khanoum — Hellenistic Lower Agora Extension — Citadel Mound
citadelCitadel
37.1701° N · 69.4201° EAi Khanoum — Hellenistic Lower Agora Extension — Lower Town Street
streetStreet and shops
37.1698° N · 69.4202° EAi Khanoum — Hellenistic Lower Agora Extension — Bazaar Axis
bazaarBazaar and ivories deposit
37.1704° N · 69.4198° E