Greco-Bactrian Kingdom
The Greco-Bactrian Kingdom was the eastern-most tip of the Ancient Greek world. It lasted between 250-125BC. It covered Afghanistan but also bits of Turkmenistan, Iran, and Pakistan. It covered a region originally conquered by Alexander the Great. The Inhabitants wer called Indo-Greeks.
Greco-Bactrian Kingdom Media
Corinthian capital, found at Ai-Khanoum, 2nd century BC
Coin depicting the Greco-Bactrian king Euthydemus 230–200 BC. The Greek inscription reads: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΕΥΘΥΔΗΜΟΥ – "(of) King Euthydemus".
Heliodotos inscription, Kuliab
Silver tetradrachm of King Eucratides I 171–145 BC. The Greek inscription reads: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ – "(of) King Great Eucratides".
Bilingual coin of Eucratides in the Indian standard, on the obverse Greek inscription reads: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ – "(of) King Great Eucratides", Pali in the Kharoshthi script on the reverse.
Gold 20 stater of Eucratides, the largest gold coin of Antiquity. The coin weighs 169.2 grams, and has a diameter of 58 millimeters.
Gold artefacts of the Scythians in Bactria, at the site of Tillia tepe
Sources
Much of our information comes from the Roman Strabo. Much archaeology has been done in Afghanistan, especially in the cities of Aï Khanoum and Begram.
Exhibitions
The National Museum of Afghanistan has put on a touring exhibition about this kingdom. It has been shown at the British Museum and also in France, Germany and the Netherlands. Much other archaeology is on display in the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia.
