Iran & Central AsiaAsia

Ghaznavid Empire

977 CE – 1186 CE · about 209 years

The Ghaznavids were a Turkic dynasty based at Ghazni in Afghanistan. Under Mahmud of Ghazni they raided deep into India and ruled from Iran to the Punjab. They were eventually overthrown by the Ghurids.

Key facts

Dates	977 CE – 1186 CE
Region	Iran & Central Asia
Continent	Asia
Capitals	Ghazni, Lahore
Founder	Sabuktigin
Religion(s)	Sunni Islam
Peak extent	≈ 3.4 million km² (c. 1029 CE) – source

Before & after

Preceded by

Samanid Empire Buyid dynasty Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty Saffarid dynasty Hindu Shahis Habbari Emirate

Followed by

Great Seljuk Empire Ghurid dynasty Khwarazmian Empire

Sources

Wikipedia – Ghaznavids
Wikipedia – List of largest empires

Dates follow widely used reference works; many ancient dates are approximate or debated. Neutral summary for general reference.