After Genghis

Sharh-e Zohak is named for a legendary serpent-haired king, and is a hilltop citadel that guards one of the main routes through central Afghanistan. Built by the Ghorids in the C6, it gradually expanded before being destroyed by Genghis Khan after his grandson was killed here. It has seen more recent use too, with Russian gun emplacements, and lots of landmines. Supposedly 'safe' areas are marked with occasional white stones.