Prehistoric Period

20,000 B.C.

Being part of the Silk Road, Afghanistan played a key role in the spread of civilization as one of the two great crossroads of culture dispersion from prehistoric times until the renaissance.  There is archeological evidence of Paleolithic and Neolithic cultures. It is speculated that the Bronze age may have started in Afghanistan.  The earliest known piece of Asian portrait sculpture was found in Afghanistan.

3000 B.C.

Afghanistan was the cross roads between Mesopotamia, Persia, and civilizations of the Indus Valley. It is speculated by the lapis lazuli (Semi precious stone valued for it’s deep blue color) in King Tutankhamen’s (King Tut) death mask is an indication that trade existed between Afghanistan and Egypt by the 15th Century B.C.

1300 B.C.

Afghanistan was the base from which Aryan invaded the Indian subcontinent bringing Sanskrit and the basis of Hindu civilization; there are some indications that Rig Veda may have been created in Afghanistan. Before 1979, sixty years of archeological exploration had begun to reveal numerous high civilizations and many more sites remain unexplored.