Bactria

Province of the ancient Persian empire (now divided between Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan) which was partly conquered by Alexander the Great. During the 6th-3rd centuries BC it was a centre of east-west trade and cultural exchange.

Bactria was bounded on the north by Sogdiana, on the west by Parthia, and on the south by Aria, Drangiana, and Arachosia. After it had been conquered by Alexander the Great, it formed part of the territory of the Seleucidae (a Macedonian dynasty founded in Syria 312 BC), until after 247 BC, when it became independent. Under the Persians its prosperity derived from its situation on the Siberian gold route (pioneered before the Greek period) and later its wealth was maintained by its position on the east-west trade line. The capital, Zariaspa (modern Balkh), was the home of Zoroaster. During the 6th century AD, Bactria was subjugated by the Turks.