Pataliputra
Country: India
Region: Asia
Period: 4th-2nd c.BCE
Location: 25.6125°N, 85.128333°E
Description
Pataliputra, now Patna, located in Bihar, India, was the capital of the Maurya Empire from the 4th to the 2nd centuries BCE. Situated on the banks of the Ganges River, it was one of the largest and most prosperous cities of ancient India. As the heart of the Maurya Empire, it was a center for administration, culture, and trade, known for its grand architecture and thriving economy.
Modern Remains
Modern Patna has several landmarks that echo its ancient past. The ruins of the ancient city, including the remnants of the Pataliputra Fort, can be explored at various archaeological sites. Key landmarks include the Kumhrar excavation site, which reveals ancient columns and structures, and the Mahabodhi Society's Buddhist temples that highlight the city’s connection to Ashoka's legacy. The Patna Museum also showcases artifacts from the Mauryan era.