Coins of Alexander’s Successors in the East

Here in this article you will find the information about the alexander the great successors in the east.

1. Introduction to Greek Princes in India

Brief overview of the Greek princes who ruled in India after Alexander.

Acknowledgement of their historical obscurity and reliance on coin findings for insights.

2. The Complexity of Eastern Greek Dynasties

Explanation of the unique challenges in studying these dynasties.

Highlight the overlap of ruling princes and the need for inference from coin types and discovery sites.

3. Historical Context

The period of Greek influence in the East from Diodotus’s rise (B.C. 246) to the Indo-Scythian invasion (B.C. 126).

The coexistence of multiple Greek states in neighboring territories.

4. Identifying the Successors through Coins

Discovery of 29 princes through coinage, emphasizing pure Greek names that imply a pre-Indo-Scythian timeline.

Wilson’s research and the recognition of overlapping reigns among various princes.

5. Classification of Greek Successor Kingdoms

Explanation of Cunningham’s classification of three distinct kingdoms:

Bactriana

Ariana

India

Mention of the powerful unifiers: Euthydemus, Demetrius, and Eukratides.

6. The Successor Kingdoms: Shifts and Losses

Detailing the shifts in control, especially after Bactriana’s loss and the rise of Mithridates.

Greek rulers’ concentrated rule in regions like Kabul Valley and Punjab.

7. Notable Coin Types and Rulers

• Antimachus II Nikephoros

• Description of coins, imagery, and inscriptions for Antimachus II.

• Philoxenes Aniketos

• Notable characteristics of Philoxenes’ coinage.

• Nikias Soter

• Unique features of Nikias’s coins.

• Lysias Aniketos

• Detailed features, including Herakles on coin reverse.

• Lysias and Antialkidas

• Unique elements, including the Dioskuri’s caps on coins.

• Antialkidas Nikephoros

• Description of tetradrachma with Zeus Nikephoros depiction.

8. Conclusion

Summary of the significance of these findings in understanding Greek influence in the East. Final remarks on the importance of numismatics in filling gaps in historical knowledge.