The 13TH CENTURY
Genghis Khan and his Mongol warriors gain control of Afghanistan, a trade
crossroads between Europe and Asia.
LATE 14TH CENTURY
Afghanistan is the center of the empire of Tamerlane the Great, but later splits
into fiefs.
1747
ahmed Shah Durrani establishes a united emirate, marking the beginning of modern
Afghan history.
19TH CENTURY
Russia and Britain fight for domination of Afghanistan. The wars of 1838-42 and
1878-80 leave Afghanistan unconquered but in the sphere of influence of Britain,
which rules the neighboring Raj of British India. In 1842, when a British force
of 4,500 troops and 12,000 dependents pulled out of Kabul, only one man survived
the retreat.
1919
Afghanistan achieves full independence from Britain under Amanullah Khan, who
proclaimed himself king in 1926. He was succeeded by Muhammad Nadir Shah
(1929-33) and Muhammad Zahir Shah (1933-73).
1973
The monarchy falls to Zahir Shah's nephew, Muhammad Douad, who proclaims a
republic.
1978
Muhammad Douad falls in a coup by pro-Soviet leftists.
DECEMBER 1979
Soviet troops push into Afghanistan.
1989
Soviet Union withdraws.
APRIL 1992
The pro-Moscow government that was left in place after the Soviets withdrew
falls; rebels enter Kabul.
1992-96
Fighting for control of the country rages between rebel forces and those loyal
to Burhanuddin Rabbani, the president of the recognized government.
1996
The Taliban gain control of Kabul and most of the country, leaving only slivers
of territory in hands of Mr. Rabbani and the Northern Alliance.