Greco-Bactrians Hellenistic period

the greco-bactrian kingdom @ maximum extent (c. 180 bc).



silver coin depicting demetrius of bactria (reigned c. 200–180 bc), wearing elephant scalp, symbol of conquests in india.

the greek kingdom of bactria began breakaway satrapy of seleucid empire, which, because of size of empire, had significant freedom central control. between 255-246 bc, governor of bactria, sogdiana , margiana (most of present-day afghanistan), 1 diodotus, took process logical extreme , declared himself king. diodotus ii, son of diodotus, overthrown in 230 bc euthydemus, possibly satrap of sogdiana, started own dynasty. in c. 210 bc, greco-bactrian kingdom invaded resurgent seleucid empire under antiochus iii. while victorious in field, seems antiochus came realise there advantages in status quo (perhaps sensing bactria not governed syria), , married 1 of daughters euthydemus s son, legitimising greco-bactrian dynasty. afterwards greco-bactrian kingdom seems have expanded, possibly taking advantage of defeat of parthian king arsaces ii antiochus.

according strabo, greco-bactrians seem have had contacts china through silk road trade routes (strabo, xi.xi.i). indian sources maintain religious contact between buddhist monks , greeks, , greco-bactrians did convert buddhism. demetrius, son , successor of euthydemus, invaded north-western india in 180 bc, after destruction of mauryan empire there; mauryans allies of bactrians (and seleucids). exact justification invasion remains unclear, 175 bc, greeks ruled on parts of north-western india. period marks beginning of obfuscation of greco-bactrian history. demetrius possibly died 180 bc; numismatic evidence suggests existence of several other kings shortly thereafter. probable @ point greco-bactrian kingdom split several semi-independent regions years, warring amongst themselves. heliocles last greek rule bactria, power collapsing in face of central asian tribal invasions (scythian , yuezhi), 130 bc. however, greek urban civilisation seems have continued in bactria after fall of kingdom, having hellenising effect on tribes had displaced greek rule. kushan empire followed continued use greek on coinage , greeks continued being influential in empire.