CIVILISATIONS TIMELINE
Prehistoric :(100000 BCE - 3000 BCE)
Ariana :(3500 BCE - 1500 BCE)
Indus Valley :(3300 BCE - 1300 BCE)
Helmand :(3200 BCE - 1800 BCE)
Oxus (BMAC) :(2300 BCE - 1700 BCE)
Achaemenid :(550 BCE - 330 BCE)
Greco-Bactrian :(250 BCE - 125 BCE)
Gandhara :(0 CE - 400 CE)
Kushan :(30 CE - 375 CE)
Sassanian Empire :(224 CE - 651 CE)
Hephthalites :(400 CE - 500 CE)
Islamic Caliphate :(600 CE - 800 CE)
Samanid dynasty :(819 CE - 999 CE)
Tahirid dynasty :(821 CE - 873 CE)
Saffarid dynasty :(861 CE - 1003 CE)
Ghurid Empire :(879 CE - 1215 CE)
Ghaznavid Empire :(971 CE - 1186 CE)
Delhi Sultanate :(1206 CE - 1526 CE)
Timurid dynasty :(1220 CE - 1500 CE)
Mughol dynasty :(1526 CE - 1857 CE)
Durrani empire :(1747 CE - 1826 CE)
Barekzai dynasty :(1826 CE - 1929 CE)
Mohamadzai dynasty :(1929 CE - 1978 CE)
Present :(1929 CE - 2025 CE)

Dasht-e Nawur

Registration :
REG-f2460ce9d2934cf9
Name of the site:
Dasht-e Nawur
Site type :
Ancient city

Location :
Ghazni، Nawur
Discovery date :
Discovered by:

Civilisation Era:
Prehistoric 100000 BCE - 3000 BCE :
Archaeological Era :
Stone Age, Paleolithic Age
Historical Era :
Ancient History

Researcher:
Saif Fazel
Last update :

Dasht-e Nawur is a significant area located in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan, known for its archaeological and cultural importance. It is a large plateau situated at a high altitude (approximately 3,000 meters above sea level) and is characterized by its natural beauty, seasonal wetlands, and historical significance.

Key Features of Dasht-e Nawur

1. Archaeological Significance:

  • Hunting sites, ca. 50,000 BCE.
  • Buddhist Relics: Evidence suggests that Dasht-e Nawur was a thriving cultural and religious hub during the Kushan Empire (1st to 3rd centuries CE).
  • Stupas and Monasteries: Archaeologists have uncovered remnants of Buddhist stupas and monastic complexes, which indicate that the area was part of the ancient Buddhist Silk Road.
  • Rock Inscriptions and Art: Various inscriptions and carvings from different periods have been found in the region.

2. Geological and Natural Features:

  • The plateau is home to Nawur Lake, a seasonal wetland that attracts migratory birds.
  • The area is surrounded by mountainous terrain, making it an important ecological zone.

3. Historical Importance:

  • The region was a crossroads for trade and cultural exchange, linking different parts of the ancient world, including Central Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and the Persian Empire.
  • It played a role during the Buddhist era and later during the rise of Islamic civilization in the region.

4. Cultural Legacy:

  • Local traditions and stories still reflect the area's ancient past.
  • Dasht-e Nawur continues to be an important part of Afghanistan's rich historical narrative.

Challenges for Preservation:

  • Like many archaeological sites in Afghanistan, Dasht-e Nawur faces threats from neglect, looting, and lack of proper preservation efforts.
  • Environmental factors, such as erosion and climate change, also impact the site's condition.

Dasht-e Nawur is a testament to Afghanistan's rich and diverse history, showcasing its role as a cultural bridge between ancient civilizations.

Images / Maps credits:
  1. https://www.darivoa.com/a/nawar-desert/5260157.html