Aria

ancient district, Afghanistan

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June 18, 2026

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The term "Aria" refers to a geographical region. It was an eastern province of the ancient Persian Empire and is now a district located in northwestern Afghanistan and eastern Iran. This fertile agricultural area, watered by the Harirud River, was historically known as Ariea and is mentioned in ancient Zoroastrian scriptures and Persian inscriptions. The region was conquered by Alexander the Great in 330 BCE, who founded a city named Alexandria in Ariea. The modern city of Herat in western Afghanistan is the focus of this densely populated and agriculturally rich area.12

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Aria
Herāt

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ancient Iran
The Seleucids
…eastern provinces of Margiana and Aria suffered an invasion by nomads. But the invasion was repelled, and the nomads were pushed back beyond the Jaxartes. Demodamas, a general to the first two Seleucid kings, crossed the river and even put up altars to Apollo, ancestor of the dynasty. Alexandria in…
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…eastern provinces of Margiana and Aria suffered an invasion by nomads. But the invasion was repelled, and the nomads were pushed back beyond the Jaxartes. Demodamas, a general to the first two Seleucid kings, crossed the river and even put up altars to Apollo, ancestor of the dynasty. Alexandria in…
Read More