Ancient Merv Mary

Merv (Turkmen: Merw, Мерв, مرو; Persian: مرو‬‎, Marv; formerly Achaemenid Persian Satrapy of Margianal; later Alexandria and subsequently Antiochia in Margiana; Greek: Ἀλεξάνδρεια or Ἀντιόχεια ἡ ἐν τῇ Μαργιανῇ) was a major oasis-city in Central Asia, on the historical Silk Road, located near today's Mary in Turkmenistan.

Several cities have existed on this site, which is significant for the interchange of culture and politics at a site of major strategic value. The site of ancient Merv has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Picture © Credits to iStock/EdoTealdi