Alexander the Great - Maracanda 329 BC

Alexander the Great

conquered Samarkand in 329 BC. The city was known as Maracanda by the Greeks.Written sources offer small clues as to the subsequent system of government.They tell of an Orepius who became ruler "not from ancestors, but as a gift of Alexander".
While Samarkand suffered significant damage during Alexander's initial conquest, the city recovered rapidly and under the new Hellenic influence flourished. There were also major new construction techniques; oblong bricks were replaced with square ones and superior methods of masonry and plastering were introduced.

Ata-Malik Juvaini

If it is said that a paradise is to be seen in this world, then the paradise of this world is Samarkand.  'Ata-Malik Juvaini

Istakhri -Transoxiana

The tenth-century Iranian author Istakhri, who travelled in Transoxiana, provides a vivid description of the natural riches of the region he calls "Smarkandian Sogd":

I know no place in it or in Samarkand itself where if one ascends some elevated ground one does not see greenery and a pleasant place, and nowhere near it are mountains lacking in trees or a dusty steppe....Samakandian Sogd... eight days travel through unbroken greenery and gardens....The greenery of the trees and sown land extends along both sides of the river ...and beyond these fields is pasture for flocks. Every town and settlement has a fortress...It is the most fruitful of all the countries of Allah; in it are the best trees and fruits, in every home are gardens, cisterns and flowing water...

          A world map by al Istakhri (934 CE)