330 BCE
Alexander conquers Bactria
Alexander the Great conquers the region of Bactria (northern Afghanistan), founding cities like Ai-Khanoum. 'Anabasis Alexandri'. Image:
Chronological Storyline (20 Milestones)
250 BCE
Greco-Bactrian Kingdom established
The Greco-Bactrian Kingdom is established, blending Greek and Central Asian cultures. 'Geography'. Video:
130 CE
Kushan Empire unifies Afghanistan
The Kushan Empire, under Kujula Kadphises, unifies much of Afghanistan, promoting Buddhism. Kushan Empire' by John Rosenfield. Image:
642 CE
Battle of Nihawand
Arab Muslims defeat the Sassanid Persians at the Battle of Nihawand, leading to the Islamization of Afghanistan. History of al-Tabari'. Video:
1221 CE
Genghis Khan invades Khwarezmian Empire
Genghis Khan invades the Khwarezmian Empire, destroying cities like Balkh and Herat. 'The History of the World-Conqueror'. Image:
1370 CE
Timurid Empire established
Timur (Tamerlane) establishes the Timurid Empire, making Herat a cultural center. Rise of Timur' by Beatrice Manz. Video:
1504 CE
Babur captures Kabul
Babur, a Timurid prince, captures Kabul, later founding the Mughal Empire. Image:
1709 CE
Mirwais Hotak rebellion
Mirwais Hotak leads a rebellion against Safavid rule, establishing the Hotak dynasty in Kandahar. A History' by Meredith L. Runion. Video:
1747 CE
Ahmad Shah Durrani elected king
Ahmad Shah Durrani is elected king, founding the Durrani Empire, considered the modern Afghan state. Kingdom of Afghanistan' by George Passman. Image:
Mar 30, 1839 CE
First Anglo-Afghan War begins
First Anglo-Afghan War begins as British forces invade to counter Russian influence. Great Game' by Peter Hopkirk. Video:
Jan 13, 1842 CE
British retreat from Kabul
The British Army is annihilated during the retreat from Kabul; only one survivor reaches Jalalabad. of a King' by William Dalrymple. Image:
Nov 21, 1878 CE
Second Anglo-Afghan War begins
Second Anglo-Afghan War begins; British forces occupy Kabul and Kandahar. Second Afghan War' by Howard Hensman. Video:
May 3, 1919 CE
Third Anglo-Afghan War
Third Anglo-Afghan War begins; Afghanistan gains full independence after the Treaty of Rawalpindi. A Military History' by Stephen Tanner. Image:
Jul 17, 1973 CE
Daoud Khan overthrows monarchy
Mohammad Daoud Khan overthrows the monarchy in a coup, establishing a republic. A History' by Meredith L. Runion. Video:
Apr 27, 1978 CE
Saur Revolution
The Saur Revolution brings the communist People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan to power. Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan' by Mark Galeotti. Image:
Dec 24, 1979 CE
Soviet invasion of Afghanistan
Soviet Union invades Afghanistan to support the communist regime, starting a decade-long war. Soviet-Afghan War' by Lester Grau. Video:
Feb 15, 1989 CE
Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan
Last Soviet troops withdraw from Afghanistan, leaving the country in civil war. A History' by Meredith L. Runion. Image:
Sep 27, 1996 CE
Taliban captures Kabul
Taliban captures Kabul, establishing a strict Islamic emirate. Taliban' by Ahmed Rashid. Video:
Oct 7, 2001 CE
US-led invasion of Afghanistan
US-led coalition invades Afghanistan after 9/11, toppling the Taliban regime. War in Afghanistan' by Seth Jones. Image:
Aug 15, 2021 CE
Taliban retakes Kabul
Taliban retakes Kabul as US forces withdraw, ending the 20-year war. Fall of Kabul' by various news agencies. Video: