Balkh
Afghanistan
Once called "a noble city and a great seat of learning" by Marco Polo, Balkh is one of the ancient world's most layered cities — known to the Persians as Zariaspa and to the Greeks as Bactra, capital of Bactria, and a historic centre of Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, and Islam in northern Afghanistan. Much of the city is now ruins, and the surrounding region holds archaeological sites spanning multiple civilisations. Mountains are visible from the area, and Mazar-i-Sharif lies a short drive away.
- Population114,883
- Nearest water from center9.6 km
- Nearest mountain from center14.1 km