Balkh

Balkh (Bactra) (36.45 N / 66.54 E) stands on fertile land, not far from the Oxus (Amu Darya) River and was irrigated by an elaborate water-system. From early times, it was a place of pilgrimage and has served various religions. It was also on a major nexus of trade routes and hence was both an important commercial centre and served the caravan traffic of the Silk Road. Balkh declined with the rise of nearby Mazar-i-Sharif and with the decline of the Silk Road.