Iran & Central AsiaAsia

Hephthalite Empire

Also known as White Huns

c. 440 CE – c. 560 CE · about 120 years approximate dates

The Hephthalites, sometimes called the White Huns, ruled a large empire in Bactria and Central Asia and repeatedly defeated the Sasanians. They were crushed by an alliance of the Sasanians and the First Turkic Khaganate around 560.

Key facts

Dates	c. 440 CE – c. 560 CE
Region	Iran & Central Asia
Continent	Asia
Capitals	Badian, Kunduz (attested centres)
Religion(s)	Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Tengrism
Peak extent	≈ 1.7 million km² (c. 500 CE) – source

Before & after

Followed by

First Turkic Khaganate Western Turkic Khaganate

Sources

Wikipedia – Hephthalites
Wikipedia – List of largest empires

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