
Sirkap is an archaeological site on the bank opposite to the city of Taxila, Punjab, Pakistan. The Greco-Bactrian king Demetriusin built the city in 180 BC after he invaded India. It was rebuilt by king Menander according to the Greek fashion. The kingdom of Demetrius consisted of Gandara, Arachosia, the Punjab and a part of the valley of Ganges. It was organized around one avenue and there were fifteen perpendicular streets, covering a surface of around 1200x400 meters.

During 2nd century B.C. Sirkap became the major city of Taxila. The city is heavily influenced by Greek city planning principles introduced after Alexander the Great`s conquest in the 3rd century B.C. The city once had a 6-meter thick, 5-kilometer long defensive wall made of course rubble which is now a ruin. There were temples, houses, shrines, and stupas all along the main north-south street.
On the east side of the street are notable structures as the Shrine of the Double-Headed Eagle, the Apsidal Temple, and at the south end of the streets is a palace.
Sirkap flourished under several different regimes, beginning with the Greeks, then the Scythians, Parthians, and finally the Kushanas.
After the foundation of a city at nearby Sirusukh by King Kanishka of the Kushan dynasty, the city became less important.
(Last Updated on : 7/12/2009)