Definition: The archaeological site of Qandahar is located near the modern city of Kandahar in south central Afghanistan. Probably first occupied before the 6th century BC, the first substantial occupation belongs to the Achaemenids about 520 BC, and it was conquered by the Arabs about AD 661-80.
Often a capital city of the Islamic empire, Qandahar's rather turbulent existence came to an end in 1738 when it was totally destroyed by the Persians under Nadir Shah. The site was excavated in the 1970s by members of the Society for Afghan Studies.
Often a capital city of the Islamic empire, Qandahar's rather turbulent existence came to an end in 1738 when it was totally destroyed by the Persians under Nadir Shah. The site was excavated in the 1970s by members of the Society for Afghan Studies.
Sources
Meloy, John L. 1996. Islamic Civilization. pp. 355-357 in , edited by Brian Fagan. Oxford University Press, Oxford. This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology.
Alternate Spellings: Kandahar, al-Qunduhar
