Bactrian Greeks, AR obol, Demetrios I

Kingdom of Bactria. Demetrios I (200-185BC)

AR obol (0.36 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: Diademed and draped bust to right, wearing elephant skin headdress

REVERSE: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΥ; Artemis, radiate, standing front, holding bow in left hand and drawing arrow from quiver with right hand

VF. RARE

Reference:

Z-273475 (similar coin)

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