While the modern nation can trace its origins back to 1747, the history of Afghanistan is far more ancient. It has long been an ancient focal point of the Silk Road and human migration. While many native people such as the Kushans, Samanids, Saffarids and Mughals have founded their empires here, the country has also been the target of numerous invasions. Afghanistan is therefore one of the most culturally rich and diverse places on Earth. This lively book places this rich and ancient seam of creativity in its broad historical context and offers the reader a full appreciation of this remarkable country.