John Wood Nears Ai-Khanoum

Date: March 18, 1838 • Location: Ārt Khwājah, Afghanistan

The British soldier-explorer John Wood came close to rediscovering the ancient Greco-Bactrian city of Ai-Khanoum in modern Afghanistan.

John Wood was a Scottish naval officer, surveyor, cartographer and explorer, principally remembered for his exploration of central Asia.

This milestone marked a defining occurrence in Afghanistan's and world history, leaving an indelible imprint on societal development, international relations, and cultural memory. Its enduring ramifications continue to be examined and commemorated by historians and scholars across the globe.