History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v1.c8.8

v1.c8.8

Placed between two powerful neighbours it has been the fate of Balkh to be the scene of conquest and plunder age after age since the dawn of history; its people have been relieved of masters from the south or west only by fiercer masters from the north; their ancient culture and learning, which boasted of a Hellenistic origin, had been all but trodden out under the iron heels of Chenghiz Khan.[†] Their cities were now in ruin and their wealth destroyed beyond hope of recovery.