Pataliputra was an ancient city located in present-day Patna, India. It served as the capital of several powerful empires, including the Maurya and Gupta dynasties. Founded in the 5th century BCE, it became a major center for trade, culture, and politics in ancient India. The city was strategically situated at the confluence of the Ganges, Saraswati, and Son rivers, which facilitated commerce and communication. Pataliputra was known for its impressive architecture, including palaces and universities, and played a significant role in the spread of Buddhism and Jainism during its peak.