Surkh Kotal

Surkh Kotal is an ancient archaeological site in Baghlan Province, northern Afghanistan, associated with the Kushan period and early first millennium CE monumental construction.

The site preserves carved inscriptions, stone architectural remains and engineered waterworks. Notable finds include inscribed blocks that mention Kushan rulers and administrative details, and the remains of purpose-built ritual and hydraulic structures.

Excavations and studies in the 20th century uncovered the inscriptions and structural remains; the site is dated mainly to the 1st to 3rd centuries CE and reflects Kushan-era state activity and temple-like architecture.

Surkh Kotal lies on a ridge in Baghlan Province, roughly inland from the northern Afghan plain; it is located in a semi-arid, hilly landscape and is some distance from major modern urban centers.

• Archaeological significance: Site contains monumental Kushan-period inscriptions and architectural remains that have informed study of early Central Asian history.
• Condition and access: Remote and fragile - many features are exposed and the site has been affected by looting and weathering, so on-site interpretation is limited.