The Diodotid dynasty was a Hellenistic dynasty founded by Seleucid viceroy Diodotus I Soter[1][2] c. 255 BC, ruling the far-eastern Kingdom of Bactria. The Diodotids were the first independent Greek kings to rule in Bactria.[3][4]

Diodotid dynasty
Coin of Diodotus Soter, with thundering Zeus serving as the symbol of the Diodotids
CountryGreco-Bactria
Foundedc. 255 BC
FounderDiodotus I
Final rulerDiodotus II
Titles
Dissolutionc. 225 BC

The origins of Diodotids are unknown. Antiochus Nicator, a proposed Greco-Bactrian King c. 230s BC, would have belonged to the Diodotid dynasty (his existence as a distinct Greco-Bactrian ruler is controversial and his coins may have represented Seleucid authority).[5] Diodotus II Theos was the last Diodotid ruler of Bactria. His reign was marked for his controversial alliance with the Parthians against the Seleucid Empire.[4] Diodotus II was deposed c. 235-225 BC by Euthydemus, founder of the Euthydemid dynasty, thus ending the dynasty's rule over the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom. [6][7]

Family Tree

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This is a theoretical family tree of the Diodotid kings of Bactria, including the Seleucid king Antiochus II.

Theoretical Family Tree of the Diodotid Kings of Bactria
Antiochus II
Diodotus Idaughter of Antiochus II?
Diodotus IIAntiochus Nicator (proposed)
Agathocles of Bactria (proposed, illegitimate)

References

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  1. ^ Holt 1999, pp. 64
  2. ^ Ramirez-Faria, Carlos (2007). Concise Encyclopedia Of World History. Atlantic Publishers & Dist. p. 64. ISBN 978-81-269-0775-5.
  3. ^ Astin, A. E. (1990). The Cambridge Ancient History. Cambridge University Press. p. 401. ISBN 978-0-521-23448-1.
  4. ^ a b Justin XLI, paragraph 1
  5. ^ Jakobsson, Jens (2010). "Antiochus Nicator, a third king of Hellenistic Bactria?". Numismatic Chronicle. 170: 17–33.
  6. ^ Tarn, W.W. (1938; repr. 2010). The Greeks in Bactria and India. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 9781108009416.
  7. ^ "Indo-Greek kingdom | Asian history". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 2021-09-13.