1.1.2.7 Bactria, the Indo-Greeks and Kushans

About 250 bc Diodotos, satrap of the Seleukid province of Bactria, revolted and established the independent Greek kingdom of Bactria, which lay mostly in what is now Afghanistan.

The Bactrian kings fought to maintain independence from the Seleukids, later from the Parthians, and to expand their domain into India. Coins with Indian themes and legends on the reverse were issued, including some unusual issues - square silver and bronze coins, and the first nickel coins.

Demetrios
King of Bactria 205-171 bc

After Eukratides was overthrown (135 bc) much of Bactria was overrun by Scythian nomads. What remained of Alexander's conquests was now largely in India, and gradually became absorbed by Indian culture.

The last Greek king, Hermaios, was defeated by the Kushan ruler Kujula Kadphises in 1 bc ending more than 300 years of Greek rule in northwest India. Coins of the Kushan dynasties are included on this page because of stylistic similarities.

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*G6220 3288 Baktria, Sophytes: AR 15 Drachm $1,095.00** Obv. -- Helmeted hd. of Athena r. Rev. -- Eagle stg. l., head reverted 3.39g SNG ANS 14-16; MIG 26dEF	*G7733 2967 Indo-Greek, Hermaios: AR 25 Tetradrachm $100.00** Obv. Diad. bust r. Rev. MAHARAJASA TRATARASA HERAMAYASA Zeus enthroned facing 9.71 g Sear 7733v, Bop. 25I; MIG 414f. Posthumous. toned VF
*G7745 2960 Indo-Scythian, Azes I: AR 28 Tetradrachm $200.00** Obv. King riding right Rev. MAHARAJASA RAJARAJASA MAHATASA AYASA Pallas stg. l. 7.75 g Mitchiner 752a. gVF, dark toning with contrasting devices. Rare.	*G7745 2965 Indo-Scythian, Azes II: AR 23 Tetradrachm $85.00** Obv. King riding right Rev. MAHARAJASA RAJARAJASA MAHATASA AYASA Athena stg. l. hldg. Nike 8.33 g Mitchiner 853d. traces of encrustation, oth. gVF