Bactria. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Mint A (near Aï Khanoum). Euthydemos I Theos Megas circa 225-195 BC. Struck circa 206-200 BC
Tetradrachm AR

31 mm, 16,38 g

Diademed middle-aged head of Euthydemos I to right / BAΣIΛEΩΣ EYΘYΔHMOY, Herakles seated left on rock, holding club set on rocks; monogram below rock.

Pleasant Tone, nearly extremely fine

Kritt A17; Bopearachchi 11A; MPHB A Group III, 231 (O69/R184); SNG ANS 141 var. (monogram); HGC 12, 40.

Euthydemos I Theos Megas was a ruler of the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom who reigned from around 225 to 195 BC. He is one of the most significant figures in Hellenistic history, primarily due to his role in stabilizing and expanding the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom after its breakaway from the Seleucid Empire. His epithet, Theos Megas(meaning "Great God"), reflects the divine status he claimed for himself, a practice not uncommon among Hellenistic rulers. Euthydemos came to power by overthrowing the earlier Greco-Bactrian ruler, Diodotos II, and establishing his own dynasty. His reign was marked by military and diplomatic challenges, most notably his conflict with the Seleucid king Antiochos III the Great, who attempted to reconquer Bactria. After a prolonged and challenging siege of the capital, Bactria, Euthydemos managed to secure a peace treaty around 206 BC. Antiochos III, impressed by his resilience and rule, recognized Euthydemos as an independent monarch, solidifying the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom’s autonomy. Under Euthydemos' rule, the kingdom expanded its influence into the Indian subcontinent, fostering significant cultural and economic exchanges between the Greek and Indian worlds. His coinage reflects his status as a Hellenistic monarch, often bearing his image adorned with a diadem, the symbol of kingship, along with titles that emphasize his divine and royal authority. The Greco-Bactrian Kingdom under Euthydemos laid the foundation for further expansion under his successors, notably his son Demetrios I, who would extend Greek rule into India. Euthydemos I's reign represents a critical moment in the history of the Hellenistic East, as it was under his leadership that the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom established itself as a major power in the region, acting as a cultural and economic bridge between the Mediterranean world and South Asia.