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History of Afghanistan

Indo-Scythians in Afghanistan

© HistoryMaps

History of Afghanistan

Indo-Scythians in Afghanistan

150 BCE Jan 1 - 400
Bactra, Afghanistan
Indo-Scythians in Afghanistan
Saka warrior, enemy of the Yuezhi. © HistoryMaps

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The Indo-Scythians, or Indo-Sakas, were Iranic Scythian nomads migrating from Central Asia to the northwestern Indian subcontinent (present-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northern India) from the mid-2nd century BCE to the 4th century CE. Maues (Moga), the first Saka king in India during the 1st century BCE, established his rule in Gandhara, the Indus Valley, and beyond, conquering the Indo-Greeks among others. The Indo-Scythians later came under the dominion of the Kushan Empire, ruled by leaders such as Kujula Kadphises or Kanishka, yet continued to govern certain areas as satrapies, known as the Northern and Western Satraps.


Their rule began to wane in the 2nd century CE following defeats by Satavahana emperor Gautamiputra Satakarni. The Indo-Scythian presence in the northwest ended with the defeat of the last Western Satrap, Rudrasimha III, by Gupta emperor Chandragupta II in 395 CE. The Indo-Scythian invasion marked a significant historical period, affecting regions including Bactria, Kabul, the Indian subcontinent, and extending influences to Rome and Parthia. Early rulers of this kingdom included Maues (c. 85–60 BCE) and Vonones (c. 75–65 BCE), as documented by ancient historians like Arrian and Claudius Ptolemy, who noted the Sakas' nomadic lifestyle.

Page Last Updated: 10/13/2024

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