Greco-Bactrian Kingdom

Greco-Bactrian Kingdom was a state in Afghanistan and the northwest (South Asia) that lasted from c. 256 to 120 BCE, about 136 years. Its people spoke Greek languages (Mycenaean, Classical, Hellenistic, Byzantine, modern Greek).

Founded when the satrap Diodotus broke away from the Seleucids. Its kings minted fine silver coins, built the Greek city at Ai-Khanoum and crossed the Hindu Kush, until nomads from the north overran Bactria around 130 BCE.

See Greco-Bactrian Kingdom on the interactive timeline

Facts

Dates

c. 256 to 120 BCE

Duration

136 years

Type

State

Region

Afghanistan and the northwest, South Asia

Language family

Greek

Capital

Bactra, Ai-Khanoum

Became

• Yuezhi in Bactria c. 130 BCE to 30 CE
• Indo-Greek Kingdom c. 200 BCE to 10 CE

Events in South Asia during its time

• 247 BCE Buddhism reaches Sri Lanka

Neighbours in South Asia

• Maurya Empire 322 to 185 BCE
• Anuradhapura Kingdom 377 BCE to 1017 CE
• Indo-Greek Kingdom c. 200 BCE to 10 CE
• Shunga Empire 185 to 73 BCE
• Early Cholas c. 300 BCE to 300 CE
• Early Cheras c. 300 BCE to 300 CE
• Yaudheya confederacy c. 200 BCE to 350 CE
• Early Pandyas c. 300 BCE to 250 CE
• Kuninda Kingdom c. 200 BCE to 300 CE
• Malava Republic c. 150 BCE to 350 CE

Elsewhere in the world at the same time

• Carthage c. 814 to 146 BCE, North and West Africa
• Roman Republic 509 to 27 BCE, Europe
• Parthian Empire 247 BCE to 224 CE, Middle East
• Xiongnu Empire c. 209 BCE to 93 CE, Central and North Asia
• Ptolemaic Kingdom 305 to 30 BCE, North and West Africa
• Western Han 202 BCE to 9 CE, East Asia
• Qin dynasty 221 to 206 BCE, East Asia

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