Kingdom of Bactria. Demetrios I (200-185BC)
AE dichalkon (6.90 g)
Demetrios I of Bactria (reigned circa 200–185 BC) was one of the most prominent Hellenistic kings of the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom. He is especially notable for initiating the Indo-Greek expansion into the Indian subcontinent. Here’s a brief overview of his reign and significance:
🏛️ Demetrios I – Key Facts:
Full Title: Demetrios I Aniketos (“the Invincible”)
Reign: c. 200–185 BC
Dynasty: Euthydemid
Capital: Bactra (modern Balkh, Afghanistan)
Region Controlled: Bactria, parts of Sogdiana, and northwest India (Punjab region)
⚔️ Military Achievements:
Conquest of India: Demetrios is credited with crossing the Hindu Kush and extending Greco-Bactrian control into the northwestern parts of the Indian subcontinent after the fall of the Mauryan Empire
His invasion was likely timed with the weakening of the Mauryan dynasty and may have been positioned as a protector of Buddhism, since the Mauryas were patrons of the faith
OBVERSE: Draped bust of Herakles right, club behind
REVERSE: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΥ; Artemis, radiate, standing front, holding bow in left hand and drawing arrow from quiver with right hand
VF. RARE
Reference:
Z-226373 (this coin)
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