Bactria was an ancient region located in Central Asia, primarily in what is now Afghanistan and parts of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. It was known for its fertile land and strategic position along the Silk Road, which facilitated trade between the East and West. Bactria played a significant role in the cultural and economic exchanges of the ancient world. The region was home to various civilizations, including the Achaemenid Empire and later the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom. Bactria was notable for its diverse population, which included Persians, Greeks, and Indo-Scythians. Its rich history contributed to the development of art, architecture, and trade in the region.