There may be several archaeological sites that can produce the traces of human habitation before the second millennium B.C but that will need thorough and methodical archaeological excavations. The earliest evidences we so far have is the arrival of Achaemenian (Persian Zoroaster), who are evident by their seglois. The historical profile of this land can be traced back to the time of Achaemenians (Persians of 6th to 4th century B.C). The Achaemenid Empire in Swabi region is evident in the historical literature where the writer Qureshi (1967: 83) says, "The districts west of river Indus as far as the river Kabul were inhibited by the Astacenians and Assacenians who paid tribute to the Achaemenian king, Cyrus who ruled from 558 to 530 BC". Astacenians were the Ashtak, a confederacy of eight tribes in the Peshawar region and Assacenians were the Ashvakas (generally identified with modern Yusufzai, who still live in this valley). Buddhism extended its horizons up to the western borders of Gandhara and enfolded in its wings the regions between Kabul River and Indus River. The mounds of Maini produce Buddhist remains all around. Due to the presence of Buddhist remains, Maini may be termed as a critical part of Gandhara civilization. Alexander, who had a rivalry with Achaemenians, during 327 BC, after crushing western parts of Gandhāra, entered the plains of Swabi to fight against the Ashvakas (Qureshi, 1967: 93) and to meet the second division of his army for crossing Indus River at Hund, ancient Udhbāndepur or Ohind. He may have entered Maini when chasing his Persian counterparts. The Rock Edicts of Ashoka in Shahbazgarhi prove the presence of Mauryan Empire in the nearby regions of river Indus. And the pious Ashoka sent his missions into this part of Gandhara for the propagation of his dhamma. The short-lived occupation of Mauryans lasted for a century which did not completely wipe out Greek influence. The occupation of Indo Greek kingdom in Maini is evident from their large number of coins, which provides the information that before their invasion this place was introduced to them. Buddhist and Hindu remains that are scattered throughout this valley are the finest examples of Buddhist livelihood in this region.