Surkh Kotal

Surkh Kotal is a monumental Kushan-era archaeological site in Baghlan Province, Afghanistan, about 18 km north of Pul-i Khumri. Dating primarily to the 2nd through 4th centuries CE, the hilltop complex features a temple approached by a massive brick and masonry staircase flanked by four terraces. Excavated by Daniel Schlumberger (1952-1963), the site yielded inscriptions in Greek and Bactrian referencing ruler Kanishka, plus a large statue of the king in Central Asian attire. The statue was destroyed by the Taliban in 2001 but later reconstructed from fragments. The site ranks among the most important for understanding Kushan religious practices along the Silk Roads.