Hellenistic Bactria Hellenistic Bactria and Indiaand India

April 2April 2ndnd, 2012, 2012

Greco-BactriaGreco-Bactria(ca. 250-125 BCE)(ca. 250-125 BCE)

http://www.mlahanas.de/Greeks/History/GrecoBactrianKingdom.html

Sources for Hellenistic Sources for Hellenistic Bactria and IndiaBactria and India

Written sources few, spotty, confused, and late.Written sources few, spotty, confused, and late. Strabo, Strabo, GeographyGeography (17-23 CE). (17-23 CE). Justin, Justin, Epitome of Pompeius TrogusEpitome of Pompeius Trogus; 3; 3rdrd century summary of a 1 century summary of a 1stst

century universal history.century universal history. Plutarch (ca. 46-120 CE), Plutarch (ca. 46-120 CE), MoraliaMoralia.. Polybius (ca. 200-117 BCE), Polybius (ca. 200-117 BCE), HistoriesHistories.. NOTE: Events post Alexander drawn largely from NOTE: Events post Alexander drawn largely from MegasthenesMegasthenes and and

Apollodorus of ArtemitaApollodorus of Artemita..

MilindapanhaMilindapanha, “Song of Menander” (1, “Song of Menander” (1stst century BCE). century BCE). Yuga Purana Yuga Purana (3(3rdrd century CE). century CE).

Numismatics.Numismatics. Epigraphy.Epigraphy. Archaeology (i.e. Ai Khanum; Taxila).Archaeology (i.e. Ai Khanum; Taxila).

Bactria and the Arrival of the Bactria and the Arrival of the GreeksGreeks

329-328 BCE – Alexander conquers Bactria-Sogdiana (roughly Afghanistan); 329-328 BCE – Alexander conquers Bactria-Sogdiana (roughly Afghanistan); marries Roxanne.marries Roxanne.

Founded eight cities in Bactria, some new and some on top of native cities.Founded eight cities in Bactria, some new and some on top of native cities.

Appointed a Persian, Artabazus, as satrap.Appointed a Persian, Artabazus, as satrap.

Settles veterans in Bactria-Sogdiana.Settles veterans in Bactria-Sogdiana.

323 BCE – Death of Alexander left the status of Bactria-Sogdiana in limbo.323 BCE – Death of Alexander left the status of Bactria-Sogdiana in limbo.

Redivision of satrapies under Perdiccas; Artabazus replaced; Amyntas (or Philip) Redivision of satrapies under Perdiccas; Artabazus replaced; Amyntas (or Philip) satrap in Bactria, Scythaeus satrap in Sogdiana (cf. Justin, 13.4).satrap in Bactria, Scythaeus satrap in Sogdiana (cf. Justin, 13.4).

315-309 BCE – Upper satrapies threw off Greco-Macedonian rule owing to 315-309 BCE – Upper satrapies threw off Greco-Macedonian rule owing to conflict between Antigonus I and Seleucus I; India under the Mauryan kings conflict between Antigonus I and Seleucus I; India under the Mauryan kings (Chandragupta).(Chandragupta).

309-306 BCE – Seleucus I recovers upper satrapies including Bactria; Seleucid 309-306 BCE – Seleucus I recovers upper satrapies including Bactria; Seleucid satrapy until ca. 250 BCE; Chandragupta’s rule over Western India satrapy until ca. 250 BCE; Chandragupta’s rule over Western India acknowledged – alliance secured by marriage between Seleucids and Mauryans.acknowledged – alliance secured by marriage between Seleucids and Mauryans.

Alexander’s Actions in Bactria-Alexander’s Actions in Bactria-SogdianaSogdiana

““Be that as it may, they say that Be that as it may, they say that Alexander founded eight cities in Alexander founded eight cities in Bactriana and Sogdiana, and that he Bactriana and Sogdiana, and that he razed certain cities to the ground, razed certain cities to the ground, among which was Cariatae in Bactriana, among which was Cariatae in Bactriana, in which Callisthenes was seized and in which Callisthenes was seized and imprisoned, and Maracanda and Cyra in imprisoned, and Maracanda and Cyra in Sogdiana, Cyra being the last city Sogdiana, Cyra being the last city founded by Cyrus…” (Strabo, founded by Cyrus…” (Strabo, GeographyGeography 11.2.4. Trans. H.L. Jones, 11.2.4. Trans. H.L. Jones, 1928)1928)

Establishing ColoniesEstablishing Colonies

““That he might leave his name to these That he might leave his name to these parts, he founded the city of Alexandria on parts, he founded the city of Alexandria on the river Tanais, completing a wall six miles the river Tanais, completing a wall six miles in circuit in seventeen days, and in circuit in seventeen days, and transplanting into it the inhabitants of three transplanting into it the inhabitants of three cities that had been built by Cyrus. He also cities that had been built by Cyrus. He also built twelve cities in the territories of the built twelve cities in the territories of the Bactrians and the Sogdians, and distributed Bactrians and the Sogdians, and distributed among them such of the soldiers as he had among them such of the soldiers as he had found mutinous.” (Justin, found mutinous.” (Justin, Epitome of Epitome of Pompeius TrogusPompeius Trogus. 12.5).. 12.5).

Seleucid Recovery of Seleucid Recovery of BactriaBactria

““After the division of the Macedonian After the division of the Macedonian empire among the followers of empire among the followers of Alexander, he (i.e. Seleucus I) carried Alexander, he (i.e. Seleucus I) carried on several wars in the east. He first on several wars in the east. He first took Babylon (312-11 BCE), and took Babylon (312-11 BCE), and then, his strength being increased by then, his strength being increased by this success, subdued the Bactrians.” this success, subdued the Bactrians.” (Justin, (Justin, Epitome of Pompeius TrogusEpitome of Pompeius Trogus. . 15.4).15.4).

The Birth of the Greco-Bactrian The Birth of the Greco-Bactrian KingdomsKingdoms

Slightly before 250 BCE (i.e. 254/30 BCE) – Seleucid Slightly before 250 BCE (i.e. 254/30 BCE) – Seleucid satrap of Bactria, Diodotus, declared independence.satrap of Bactria, Diodotus, declared independence.

Revolt likely a function of three factors: 1. The Revolt likely a function of three factors: 1. The growth in prosperity and strength of Bactria under growth in prosperity and strength of Bactria under Diodotus. 2. Distance from Seleucid control made it Diodotus. 2. Distance from Seleucid control made it de facto independent anyway. 3. Second Syrian de facto independent anyway. 3. Second Syrian War (ca. 260-253 BCE) preoccupied Seleucids.War (ca. 260-253 BCE) preoccupied Seleucids.

Seleucus marches east to quell revolt but is Seleucus marches east to quell revolt but is defeated.defeated.

Ca. 250 BCE – Seleucids recognize independence of Ca. 250 BCE – Seleucids recognize independence of Bactria-Sogdiana; chronology very confused.Bactria-Sogdiana; chronology very confused.

Dating Greco-Bactrian Dating Greco-Bactrian IndependenceIndependence

““After the death of Alexander the Great, when the kingdoms of the After the death of Alexander the Great, when the kingdoms of the east were divided among his successors, the government of Parthia east were divided among his successors, the government of Parthia was committed to Stasanor, a foreign ally, because none of the was committed to Stasanor, a foreign ally, because none of the Macedonians would deign to accept it. Subsequently, when the Macedonians would deign to accept it. Subsequently, when the Macedonians were divided into parties by civil discord, the Parthians, Macedonians were divided into parties by civil discord, the Parthians, with the other people of Upper Asia, followed Eumenes, and, when he with the other people of Upper Asia, followed Eumenes, and, when he was defeated, went over to Antigonus. After his death, they were was defeated, went over to Antigonus. After his death, they were under the rule of Seleucus (I) Nicator, and then under Antiochus and under the rule of Seleucus (I) Nicator, and then under Antiochus and his successors, from whose great-grandson they first revolted his successors, from whose great-grandson they first revolted (Seleucus II Callinicus 246-225 BCE OR Seleucus III Ceraunus & (Seleucus II Callinicus 246-225 BCE OR Seleucus III Ceraunus & Antiochus III Megas),Antiochus III Megas), in the first Punic War, when Lucius Manlius in the first Punic War, when Lucius Manlius Vulso and Marcus Attilius Regulus were consuls Vulso and Marcus Attilius Regulus were consuls (i.e. 250 BCE).(i.e. 250 BCE). For For their revolt, the dispute between the two brothers their revolt, the dispute between the two brothers (i.e. 222 BCE(i.e. 222 BCE), ), Seleucus and Antiochus, procured them impunity; for while they Seleucus and Antiochus, procured them impunity; for while they sought to wrest the throne from one another, they neglected to sought to wrest the throne from one another, they neglected to pursue the revolters. At the same period, also, Theodotus (i.e. pursue the revolters. At the same period, also, Theodotus (i.e. Diodotus), governor of the thousand cities in Bactria, revolted, and Diodotus), governor of the thousand cities in Bactria, revolted, and assumed the title of king.” (Justin, assumed the title of king.” (Justin, Epitome of Pompeius TrogusEpitome of Pompeius Trogus. 41.4).. 41.4).

Note: Independence somewhere between 250 and 222 BCE; 250 BCE Note: Independence somewhere between 250 and 222 BCE; 250 BCE the preferred the date.the preferred the date.

The Diodotid BactriaThe Diodotid Bactria Very little textual evidence; stray references and Very little textual evidence; stray references and

fragments; heavy reliance on archaeology and fragments; heavy reliance on archaeology and numismatics.numismatics.

Under “Diodotid” rule from ca 250 BCE.Under “Diodotid” rule from ca 250 BCE.

Diodotus I succeeded by Diodotus II before 235 Diodotus I succeeded by Diodotus II before 235 BCE: “But being soon relieved of his fears by the BCE: “But being soon relieved of his fears by the death of Theodotus (i.e. Diodotus I), he made death of Theodotus (i.e. Diodotus I), he made peace and an alliance with his son, who was also peace and an alliance with his son, who was also named Theodotus (i.e. Diodotus II); and named Theodotus (i.e. Diodotus II); and not long not long afterafter, engaging with king Seleucus (II), who came , engaging with king Seleucus (II), who came to take vengeance on the revolters (in 235 BCE), to take vengeance on the revolters (in 235 BCE), he obtained a victory.” (Justin, he obtained a victory.” (Justin, Epitome of Epitome of Pompeius TrogusPompeius Trogus. 41.4).. 41.4).

Coin of Diodotus I in the Coin of Diodotus I in the Name of Antiochus I (ca. Name of Antiochus I (ca.

250 BCE)250 BCE)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Diodotos-AV3.jpg

Coin of Diodotus I (?)Coin of Diodotus I (?)(ca. 250 BCE)(ca. 250 BCE)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:DiodotusGoldCoin.jpg

Coin of Diodotus IICoin of Diodotus II(ca. 235 BCE)(ca. 235 BCE)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/b9/DiodotusII.jpg

Euthydemid BactriaEuthydemid Bactria Ca. 230 BCE – Euthydemus I overthrows Diodotus II; circumstances unknown; likely Ca. 230 BCE – Euthydemus I overthrows Diodotus II; circumstances unknown; likely

consequence of incursions by Parthians et. al.consequence of incursions by Parthians et. al.

Ca. 220 BCE – Euthydemus I leads expeditions east into Chinese Turkestan; first Ca. 220 BCE – Euthydemus I leads expeditions east into Chinese Turkestan; first Chinese contacts with western civ.Chinese contacts with western civ.

209-204 BCE – The “anabasis” of Antiochus III; Antiochus attempts to recover Bactria 209-204 BCE – The “anabasis” of Antiochus III; Antiochus attempts to recover Bactria and Parthia/Hyrcania; Antiochus recognizes Euthydemus’ title in light of a common and Parthia/Hyrcania; Antiochus recognizes Euthydemus’ title in light of a common interest (ca. 207-206 BCE).interest (ca. 207-206 BCE).

206 BCE – Euthydemus I retakes some territories lost to Parthian expansion (i.e. 206 BCE – Euthydemus I retakes some territories lost to Parthian expansion (i.e. Astauene and Apavarktikene); transformed into Bactrian satrapies (Tapuria and Astauene and Apavarktikene); transformed into Bactrian satrapies (Tapuria and Traxiane); son of Euthydemus I, Antimachus I, satrap.Traxiane); son of Euthydemus I, Antimachus I, satrap.

200 BCE – Euthydemus I succeeded by his son Demetrius I.200 BCE – Euthydemus I succeeded by his son Demetrius I. Before 180 BCE – The Mauryan dynasty (Buddhists; allies of the Seleucids) Before 180 BCE – The Mauryan dynasty (Buddhists; allies of the Seleucids)

overthrown by the Sunga dynasty (Hindus; persecution of Buddhists).overthrown by the Sunga dynasty (Hindus; persecution of Buddhists). 180-175 BCE – Demetrius II enters western India; est. a Greek kingdoms with its 180-175 BCE – Demetrius II enters western India; est. a Greek kingdoms with its

capital Pataliputra.capital Pataliputra. 170 BCE – In Bactria Euthydemid power overthrown by Eucratides; Demetrius II 170 BCE – In Bactria Euthydemid power overthrown by Eucratides; Demetrius II

returns to oust Eucratides and is killed.returns to oust Eucratides and is killed. 160 BCE – Antimachus I makes second attempt to oust Eucratides and is defeated.160 BCE – Antimachus I makes second attempt to oust Eucratides and is defeated.

The Settlement between The Settlement between Antiochus III and Euthydemus IAntiochus III and Euthydemus I

““For Euthydemus himself was a native of Magnesia, and he now, in For Euthydemus himself was a native of Magnesia, and he now, in defending himself to Teleas, said that Antiochus was not justified in defending himself to Teleas, said that Antiochus was not justified in attempting to deprive him of his kingdom, as he himself had never revolted attempting to deprive him of his kingdom, as he himself had never revolted against the king, but after others had revolted he had possessed himself of against the king, but after others had revolted he had possessed himself of the throne of Bactria by destroying their descendants. After speaking at the throne of Bactria by destroying their descendants. After speaking at some length in the same sense he begged Teleas to mediate between them some length in the same sense he begged Teleas to mediate between them in a friendly manner and bring about a reconciliation, entreating Antiochus in a friendly manner and bring about a reconciliation, entreating Antiochus not to grudge him the name and state of king, as if he did not yield to this not to grudge him the name and state of king, as if he did not yield to this request, neither of them would be safe; for considerable hordes of Nomads request, neither of them would be safe; for considerable hordes of Nomads were approaching, and this was not only a grave danger to both of them, but were approaching, and this was not only a grave danger to both of them, but if they consented to admit them, the country would certainly relapse into if they consented to admit them, the country would certainly relapse into p303barbarism. After speaking thus he dispatched Teleas to Antiochus. The p303barbarism. After speaking thus he dispatched Teleas to Antiochus. The king, who had long been on the look-out for a solution of the question when king, who had long been on the look-out for a solution of the question when he received Teleas' report, gladly consented to an accommodation owing to he received Teleas' report, gladly consented to an accommodation owing to the reasons above stated. Teleas went backwards and forwards more than the reasons above stated. Teleas went backwards and forwards more than once to both kings, and finally Euthydemus sent off his son Demetrius to once to both kings, and finally Euthydemus sent off his son Demetrius to ratify the agreement. Antiochus, on receiving the young man and judging ratify the agreement. Antiochus, on receiving the young man and judging him from his appearance, conversation, and dignity of bearing to be worthy him from his appearance, conversation, and dignity of bearing to be worthy of royal rank, in the first place promised to give him one of his daughters in of royal rank, in the first place promised to give him one of his daughters in marriage and next gave permission to his father to style himself king. After marriage and next gave permission to his father to style himself king. After making a written treaty concerning other points and entering into a sworn making a written treaty concerning other points and entering into a sworn alliance, Antiochus took his departure, serving out generous ratons of corn to alliance, Antiochus took his departure, serving out generous ratons of corn to his troops and adding to his own the elephants belonging to Euthydemus.” his troops and adding to his own the elephants belonging to Euthydemus.” (Polybius, (Polybius, HistoriesHistories 11.34). 11.34).

The Growth of BactriaThe Growth of Bactria

““The Greeks who caused Bactria to The Greeks who caused Bactria to revolt grew so powerful on account revolt grew so powerful on account of the fertility of the country that of the fertility of the country that they became the masters, not only of they became the masters, not only of Ariana, but also of India, as Ariana, but also of India, as Apollodorus of Artemita says…” Apollodorus of Artemita says…” (Strabo, (Strabo, GeographyGeography 11.11.1. Trans. 11.11.1. Trans. H.L. Jones, 1928)H.L. Jones, 1928)

Extending The Frontiers of HellenismExtending The Frontiers of HellenismAi Khanum (Afghanistan)Ai Khanum (Afghanistan)

Corinthian Capital – 2Corinthian Capital – 2ndnd Century BCE Century BCE

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:CapitalSharp.jpg

Hellenistic Satyr (2Hellenistic Satyr (2ndnd Century Century BCE)BCE)

Ai KhanumAi Khanum

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:GorgoyleSharp.jpg

Delphic Maxims – Ai Delphic Maxims – Ai KhanumKhanum

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:AiKhanoumMaxim.jpg

Greco-Bactrian Contacts with Greco-Bactrian Contacts with China:China:

Memoirs of Zhang Quian (126 Memoirs of Zhang Quian (126 BCE)BCE) ""When I was in Bactria (Ta-Hia)", Zhang ""When I was in Bactria (Ta-Hia)", Zhang

Qian reported, "I saw bamboo canes from Qian reported, "I saw bamboo canes from Qiong and cloth made in the province of Qiong and cloth made in the province of Shu (territories of southwestern China). Shu (territories of southwestern China). When I asked the people how they had When I asked the people how they had gotten such articles, they replied, "Our gotten such articles, they replied, "Our merchants go buy them in the markets of merchants go buy them in the markets of Shendu (India)."" (Shiji 123, Sima Qian, Shendu (India)."" (Shiji 123, Sima Qian, trans. Burton Watson).trans. Burton Watson).

http://www.mlahanas.de/Greeks/History/GrecoBactrianKingdom.htmlhttp://www.mlahanas.de/Greeks/History/GrecoBactrianKingdom.html

The Rise of Eucratides (ca. 170 The Rise of Eucratides (ca. 170 BCE)BCE)

““Almost at the same time that Mithridates ascended the throne Almost at the same time that Mithridates ascended the throne among the Parthians (171 BCE), Eucratides began to reign among among the Parthians (171 BCE), Eucratides began to reign among the Bactrians; both of them being great men. But the fortune of the Bactrians; both of them being great men. But the fortune of the Parthians, being the more successful, raised them, under this the Parthians, being the more successful, raised them, under this prince, to the highest degree of power; while the Bactrians, prince, to the highest degree of power; while the Bactrians, harassed with various wars, lost not only their dominions, but their harassed with various wars, lost not only their dominions, but their liberty; for having suffered from contentions with the Sogdians, liberty; for having suffered from contentions with the Sogdians, the Drangians, and the Indians, they were at last overcome, as if the Drangians, and the Indians, they were at last overcome, as if exhausted, by the weaker Parthians. Eucratides, however, carried exhausted, by the weaker Parthians. Eucratides, however, carried on several wars with great spirit, and though much reduced by his on several wars with great spirit, and though much reduced by his losses in them, yet, when he was beseiged by Demetrius king of losses in them, yet, when he was beseiged by Demetrius king of the Indians, with a garrison of only three hundred soldiers, he the Indians, with a garrison of only three hundred soldiers, he repulsed, by continual sallies, a force of sixty thousand enemies. repulsed, by continual sallies, a force of sixty thousand enemies. Having accordingly escaped, after a five months’ siege, he Having accordingly escaped, after a five months’ siege, he reduced India into his power. But as he was returning from the reduced India into his power. But as he was returning from the country, he was killed by his son, with whom he had shared the country, he was killed by his son, with whom he had shared the throne, and who was so far from concealing the murder, that, as if throne, and who was so far from concealing the murder, that, as if he had killed an enemy, he drove his chariot through his blood, he had killed an enemy, he drove his chariot through his blood, and ordered his body cast out unburied.” (Justin, and ordered his body cast out unburied.” (Justin, Epitome of Epitome of Pompeius TrogusPompeius Trogus. 41.6).. 41.6).

Confirmation in the Yuga Confirmation in the Yuga Purana?Purana?

Then, having approached Saketa together with Then, having approached Saketa together with the Pancalas and Mathuras, the Yavanas – valiant the Pancalas and Mathuras, the Yavanas – valiant in battle – will reach Kusumadhvaja….And in the in battle – will reach Kusumadhvaja….And in the city the Yavanas, the princes, will make this city the Yavanas, the princes, will make this people acquainted with them: but the Yavanas, people acquainted with them: but the Yavanas, infatuated by war, will not remain in Madhyadesa; infatuated by war, will not remain in Madhyadesa; there will be mutual agreements among them to there will be mutual agreements among them to leave, due to a terrible and dreadful war having leave, due to a terrible and dreadful war having broken out in their own realm – there is no doubtbroken out in their own realm – there is no doubt. . Then, at the disappearance of those Yavanas due Then, at the disappearance of those Yavanas due to the power of the Yuga, there will be seven to the power of the Yuga, there will be seven mighty kings in Saketa. (Yuga Purana, 47, 56-8)mighty kings in Saketa. (Yuga Purana, 47, 56-8)

Eucratatid BactriaEucratatid Bactria Events in Bactria under Eucratides and his Events in Bactria under Eucratides and his

successors pieced together entirely from coins successors pieced together entirely from coins and Chinese sources.and Chinese sources.

170-145 BCE - Eucratides I.170-145 BCE - Eucratides I.

145-140 BCE – Eucratides II.145-140 BCE – Eucratides II.

145-130 BCE – Heliocles; last king of Bactria; 145-130 BCE – Heliocles; last king of Bactria; Bactria overrun by nomadic Bactria overrun by nomadic SacaSaca..

130 BCE – Heliocles invades north west India; 130 BCE – Heliocles invades north west India; Euucratidids rule in India to 50 BCE. Euucratidids rule in India to 50 BCE.

Silver Tetradrachm of Silver Tetradrachm of Eucratides IEucratides I

(Ca. 170-145 BCE)(Ca. 170-145 BCE)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Eucratides-tetradrachm.jpg

Tetradrachm of Eucratides Tetradrachm of Eucratides with Heliokles and Laodikewith Heliokles and Laodike

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Eukratides.jpg

The Greeks in IndiaThe Greeks in India Darius I conquers Western India (ca. 518 BCE).Darius I conquers Western India (ca. 518 BCE). Scylax of Caryanda, Ionian sea captain sent by Darius I to explore the Indus river Scylax of Caryanda, Ionian sea captain sent by Darius I to explore the Indus river

down to the sea (ca. 521-518 BCE).down to the sea (ca. 521-518 BCE). Ktesias of Cnidus (fl. Ca. 400 BCE) sent by Artaxerxes II to catalogue flora and Ktesias of Cnidus (fl. Ca. 400 BCE) sent by Artaxerxes II to catalogue flora and

fauna of India; wrote fauna of India; wrote IndikaIndika based in part upon Indian source material. based in part upon Indian source material. Alexander the Great in India (326-324 BCE); Onesicritus and Nearchus both wrote Alexander the Great in India (326-324 BCE); Onesicritus and Nearchus both wrote

an an IndikaIndika.. Seleucus I Nicator invades India (306 BCE); marries his daughter to Chandragupta Seleucus I Nicator invades India (306 BCE); marries his daughter to Chandragupta

Maurya (305 BCE).Maurya (305 BCE). (306-305 BCE) - Megasthenes sent to India as Seleucus’ ambassador; wrote (306-305 BCE) - Megasthenes sent to India as Seleucus’ ambassador; wrote

another Indika; principal source for all things Indian.another Indika; principal source for all things Indian. 275 BCE – Ptolemy II sends Dionysius to the court of Bindusara (son of 275 BCE – Ptolemy II sends Dionysius to the court of Bindusara (son of

Chandragupta).Chandragupta). Asoka (272-237 BCE) sends Buddhist missionaries into Greece seeking converts; Asoka (272-237 BCE) sends Buddhist missionaries into Greece seeking converts;

Asoka’s Major Rock Edict 13Asoka’s Major Rock Edict 13.. 183-182 BCE – Euthydemid invasion of India by Bactrian Greeks; establishment of 183-182 BCE – Euthydemid invasion of India by Bactrian Greeks; establishment of

the Indo-Greek Kingdoms; ca. 36 Greek kings and queens in India known mostly the Indo-Greek Kingdoms; ca. 36 Greek kings and queens in India known mostly through numismatics.through numismatics.

The rule of Menander (ca. 167 BCE – 150 BCE); The rule of Menander (ca. 167 BCE – 150 BCE); Milindapanha; Milindapanha; Indo-Greeks Indo-Greeks increasingly cut off from Greece by Parthian expansion.increasingly cut off from Greece by Parthian expansion.

Indo-Greek kings gradually lose control of Western India after ca. 100 BCE; Greek Indo-Greek kings gradually lose control of Western India after ca. 100 BCE; Greek settlements and culture only gradually are absorbed; The Red Sea Periplus (1settlements and culture only gradually are absorbed; The Red Sea Periplus (1stst Century CE).Century CE).

The Indo-Greek KingdomThe Indo-Greek Kingdom

http://www.mlahanas.de/Greeks/History/IndoGreekKingdom.html

India Shakes off Macedonian India Shakes off Macedonian Control (ca. 323-306 BCE)Control (ca. 323-306 BCE)

After the partitioning of the Macedonian After the partitioning of the Macedonian empire amongst the allies, Seleucus fought empire amongst the allies, Seleucus fought many wars in the East. First of all he took many wars in the East. First of all he took Babylon, after which, his strength Babylon, after which, his strength augmented by the victory, he conquered the augmented by the victory, he conquered the Bactrians. Then he crossed into India which, Bactrians. Then he crossed into India which, following Alexander’s death, had shaken following Alexander’s death, had shaken from its shoulders the yoke of servitude and from its shoulders the yoke of servitude and put to death his governors. The man put to death his governors. The man responsible for this liberation was responsible for this liberation was Sandrocottus. (Justin, Epitome of the Sandrocottus. (Justin, Epitome of the Philippic History of Pompeius Trogus. Philippic History of Pompeius Trogus. Trans.J.C. Yardley, Atlanta, 1994. XV.4.10-Trans.J.C. Yardley, Atlanta, 1994. XV.4.10-13).13).

Greeks in The MilindapanhaGreeks in The Milindapanha There is in the country of the Yonakas  a great centre of trade , a city that There is in the country of the Yonakas  a great centre of trade , a city that

is called Sâgala,is called Sâgala, situate in a delightful country well watered and hilly, abounding situate in a delightful country well watered and hilly, abounding in parks and gardens and groves and lakes and tanks, a paradise of rivers and in parks and gardens and groves and lakes and tanks, a paradise of rivers and mountains and woods. Wise architects have laid it out , and its people know of no mountains and woods. Wise architects have laid it out , and its people know of no oppression, since all their enemies and adversaries have been put down. Brave is its oppression, since all their enemies and adversaries have been put down. Brave is its defence, with many and various strong towers and ramparts, with superb gates and defence, with many and various strong towers and ramparts, with superb gates and entrance archways; and with the royal citadel in its midst, white walled and deeply entrance archways; and with the royal citadel in its midst, white walled and deeply moated. Well laid out are its streets, squares, cross roads, and market places . Well moated. Well laid out are its streets, squares, cross roads, and market places . Well displayed are the innumerable sorts of costly merchandise with which its shops are displayed are the innumerable sorts of costly merchandise with which its shops are filled. It is richly adorned with hundreds of alms-halls of various kinds; and splendid filled. It is richly adorned with hundreds of alms-halls of various kinds; and splendid with hundreds of thousands of magnificent mansions, which rise aloft like the with hundreds of thousands of magnificent mansions, which rise aloft like the mountain peaks of the Himalayas. Its streets are filled with elephants, horses, mountain peaks of the Himalayas. Its streets are filled with elephants, horses, carriages, and foot-passengers, frequented by groups of handsome men and carriages, and foot-passengers, frequented by groups of handsome men and beautiful women, and crowded by men of all sorts and conditions, Brahmans, beautiful women, and crowded by men of all sorts and conditions, Brahmans, nobles, artificers, and servants. They resound with cries of welcome to the teachers nobles, artificers, and servants. They resound with cries of welcome to the teachers of every creed, and the city is the resort of the leading men of each of the differing of every creed, and the city is the resort of the leading men of each of the differing sects. Shops are there for the sale of Benares muslin, of Kosects. Shops are there for the sale of Benares muslin, of Kottumbara stuffs , and of umbara stuffs , and of other cloths of various kinds; and sweet odours are exhaled from the bazaars, where other cloths of various kinds; and sweet odours are exhaled from the bazaars, where all sorts of flowers and perfumes are tastefully set out. jewels are there in plenty, all sorts of flowers and perfumes are tastefully set out. jewels are there in plenty, such as men's hearts desire, and guilds of traders in all sorts of finery display their such as men's hearts desire, and guilds of traders in all sorts of finery display their goods in the bazaars that face all quarters of the sky. So full is the city of money, goods in the bazaars that face all quarters of the sky. So full is the city of money, and of gold and silver ware, of copper and stone ware, that it is a very mine of and of gold and silver ware, of copper and stone ware, that it is a very mine of dazzling treasures. And there is laid up there much store of property and corn and dazzling treasures. And there is laid up there much store of property and corn and things of value in warehouses-foods and drinks of every sort, syrups and things of value in warehouses-foods and drinks of every sort, syrups and sweetmeats of every kind. In wealth it rivals Uttara-kuru, and in glory it is as sweetmeats of every kind. In wealth it rivals Uttara-kuru, and in glory it is as ÂÂllakamandâ, the city of the gods. (Milindapanha 1.2.1-2 Trans. D.T. Rhys).akamandâ, the city of the gods. (Milindapanha 1.2.1-2 Trans. D.T. Rhys).

TaxilaTaxila

http://www.mlahanas.de/Greeks/History/IndoGreekKingdom.html

Attestation of Greeks in Attestation of Greeks in India:India:

The Red Sea PeriplusThe Red Sea Periplus ““Inland behind Barygaza there are numerous Inland behind Barygaza there are numerous peoples: the Aratrioi, Arachusioi, Gandaraioi, and peoples: the Aratrioi, Arachusioi, Gandaraioi, and the peoples of Proklais, in whose area Bukephalos the peoples of Proklais, in whose area Bukephalos Alexandreia is located. And beyond these is a very Alexandreia is located. And beyond these is a very warlike people, the Bactrians, under a king…warlike people, the Bactrians, under a king…Alexander, setting out from these parts, penetrated Alexander, setting out from these parts, penetrated as far as the Ganges but did not get to Limyrike as far as the Ganges but did not get to Limyrike and the south of India. Because of this there are to and the south of India. Because of this there are to be found on the market of Barygaza even today old be found on the market of Barygaza even today old drachmas engraved with the inscriptions, in Greek drachmas engraved with the inscriptions, in Greek letters, of Apollodotus and Menander, rulers who letters, of Apollodotus and Menander, rulers who came after Alexander.” (Red Sea Periplus, 47).came after Alexander.” (Red Sea Periplus, 47).

Cultural Interaction:Cultural Interaction:Silver Drachma of Menander (Greek/Kharosthi)Silver Drachma of Menander (Greek/Kharosthi)

http://www.mlahanas.de/Greeks/History/IndoGreekKingdom.html

Tetradrachm of AntialkidasTetradrachm of Antialkidas(ca. 145-135 BCE)(ca. 145-135 BCE)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Antialcidas.JPG

Hellenistic Statue from Hellenistic Statue from TaxilaTaxila

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Couple_from_Taxila_IV.jpg

Cultural Interaction:Cultural Interaction:The Besengar Inscription (Late 2The Besengar Inscription (Late 2ndnd Century BCE) Century BCE)

““This Garuda pillar of the god of gods, Vasudeva, This Garuda pillar of the god of gods, Vasudeva, was caused to be made by Heliodorus, the devotee, was caused to be made by Heliodorus, the devotee, the son of Dion, from Taxila, who came as Greek the son of Dion, from Taxila, who came as Greek ambassador from the court of the Great King ambassador from the court of the Great King Antialkidas to Bhagabadra, the son of Kasi, the Antialkidas to Bhagabadra, the son of Kasi, the Savior, who was then in the fourteenth year of his Savior, who was then in the fourteenth year of his prosperous reign.” prosperous reign.”

(“Dedication to the Hindu god Vishnu by (“Dedication to the Hindu god Vishnu by Heliodorus, son of Dion. Besnegar, India.” Heliodorus, son of Dion. Besnegar, India.” The The Hellenistic Age from the battle of Ipsos to the death Hellenistic Age from the battle of Ipsos to the death of Kleopatra VIIof Kleopatra VII. Ed. Stanley, M. Burstein. . Ed. Stanley, M. Burstein. Cambridge, 1985. Inscr. 53., Trans. K. Bohlle & J. Cambridge, 1985. Inscr. 53., Trans. K. Bohlle & J. Puhvel)Puhvel)