Achaemenid Satrapies > Satrapy of Bactria
Satrapy of Bactria
Background
Bactria was a Achaemenid satrapy that existed in Central Asia in modern day Afghanistan. The first mention of Bactria in the historical or archaeological record is in 520 BC in the Behistun Inscription. The satrapy of Bactria was ruled by a monarchy and was based out of the capital at Bactra. On occasion the name Bactria may also be used to encompass neighboring Sogdia.
Darius I the Great later re-organized the satrapies and placed the Bactrians with the Aeglians in the same administrative tax district. According to ancient accounts by Herodotus they were required to pay 360 talents every year to the Persian monarchy as tribute.
