Knowra Greco-Bactrian Kingdom Greco-Bactrian Kingdom A Hellenistic kingdom centered in Bactria, established when its rulers broke away from the Seleucid Empire in the mid-third century BCE. Its Greek-speaking rulers governed a region linking the eastern Hellenistic world with Central and South Asia.
Diodotus I : The satrap of Bactria who established an independent Greek kingdom there around the mid-third century BCE. His break with Seleucid authority founded the kingdom.
Greco-Bactrian coinage : The gold, silver, and bronze currency issued by Greco-Bactrian kings, often bearing Greek inscriptions and royal portraits. Coins reveal royal claims, economic reach, and changing political authority.
Euthydemus I : A Greco-Bactrian king who seized power in the late third century BCE and negotiated with Antiochus III. His diplomacy helped preserve the kingdom during a Seleucid invasion.
Indo-Greek Kingdom : A group of Greek-ruled kingdoms in parts of the Indian subcontinent, flourishing from the second to first centuries BCE. Greek expansion southward from Bactria helped establish these successor realms.
Seleucid Empire : A Hellenistic empire founded by Seleucus I, stretching from Asia Minor to parts of Central and South Asia. Bactria became independent from this empire.
Ai-Khanoum : A Hellenistic city in northern Afghanistan, likely founded in the early Greco-Bactrian period. Its palace, temples, and defenses show how Greek urban institutions took root.
Demetrius I of Bactria : A Greco-Bactrian king associated with the expansion of Greek rule into parts of the Indian subcontinent. His campaigns opened the path to Indo-Greek kingdoms.
Greco-Buddhist art : Art of Central and South Asia that combines Buddhist subjects with forms and techniques associated with Greek art. Greek artistic traditions in the region formed part of the cultural setting for this synthesis.
Antiochus II Theos : A Seleucid king who ruled from 261 to 246 BCE during the period of Bactrian independence. His reign coincided with Diodotus's separation from Seleucid rule.
Hellenistic army : A military system used by successor kingdoms, combining infantry formations, cavalry, and specialized troops. The kingdom relied on military practices inherited from the Hellenistic world.
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