The Lost Greek Cities of Central Asia

For centuries, Bactria - a region shared by modern Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan - was part of the Hellenistic world. Conquered by Alexander the Great, Bactria became the heart of a powerful Greek kingdom. And even after the Greco-Bactrian kingdom was overrun by nomads, its cities continued to thrive. This video explores their fates. Please consider supporting toldinstone on Patreon: If you liked this video, you might also enjoy my book “Naked Statues, Fat Gladiators, and War Elephants: Frequently Asked Questions about the Ancient Greeks and Romans.” If you’re so inclined, you can follow me elsewhere on the web: Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:05 Alexander in Central Asia 1:58 Bactria and its cities 3:07 The Greco-Bactrian Kingdom 3:50 Ai-Khanoum 4:53 Greek culture at Ai-Khanoum 5:34 An ethnically mixed city 6:28 The menace of the steppes 7:11 Barbarians at the gates 8:03 The Kushan Empire 8:33 Greek influence on Kushan art 9:42 The Bimaran Casket 10:14 The Tillya Tepe Tombs 10:42 Greek language on Kushan coins 11:14 The decline of Greek influence 11:35 Disappearance of the Greeks 12:13 Alexandria in Arachosia 12:36 Antioch in Margiana 13:03 Alexandria in the Caucasus 13:34 Destruction of the ruins 13:58 Conclusion Thanks for watching!