---
title: Eucratid
author: Antoine Simonin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/eucratid/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/)
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# Eucratid

_Authored by [Antoine Simonin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/Deathfinger/)_

The Eucratids were a Greco-Bactrian and [Indo-Greek](https://www.worldhistory.org/Indo-Greek/) dynasty of approximately 12 kings, lasting between c.171 BC and 80-70 BC, according to numismatic evidence. The numismatic emblem which characterized it were the palm and the [Dioscuri](https://www.worldhistory.org/Castor_and_Pollux/) (Castor & Pollux by horse).

The dynasty began when its founder [Eucratides](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Eucratides/) overthrew an [Euthydemid](https://www.worldhistory.org/euthydemid/) king in [Bactria](https://www.worldhistory.org/Bactria/), probably Demetrios II, c.171 BC. Taking advantage of the rivalry between the different Euthydemid Indo-[Greek](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/greek/) states, he managed to lead wars across the [Hindu](https://www.worldhistory.org/hinduism/)-[Kush](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kush/) and succeeded until he met king Menander. He was then defeated and pushed back to Bactria. There he lead campaigns against Menander but was murdered by his own son, soon-called Eucratides II. This event is indicative of the relationships in this dynasty, as it was the same in the opposing Euthydemid dynasty.

His [death](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Death/) let the kingdom into civil [war](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/War/) between several Eucratid pretenders to the throne, which weakened the state; Parthians and Yuezhei took advantage of this and the last Greco-Bactrian king Heliokles must have left the kingdom to nomads c.130 BC. Paradoxically the dynasty succeeded to take part of Indo-Greek kingdoms and thus continued its engine of [warfare](https://www.worldhistory.org/warfare/) there, due to its rivalry with the Euthydemids. Even if some Eucratids like Philoxenos seemed to have been powerful after 130 BC, they never succeeded to reunite the whole Indo-Greek possessions.

The dynasty finally ended when the Indo-[Saka](https://www.worldhistory.org/Scythians/) Maues successfully invaded the Indo-Greek kingdoms c.80 BC, forcing both Indo-Greek dynasties to make alliance under king Amyntas.

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored definition has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Passionate about ancient Central Asia. Maintains the website From Bactria to Taxila. Works in the Europa Barbarorum project.
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoine-simonin/52/685/a9a/e)

## Timeline

- **171 BCE**: In odrer to show the break of dynasty, [Eucratides](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Eucratides/) begin a new Yona (or [Greek](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/greek/)) era.
- **c. 171 BCE**: [Eucratides](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Eucratides/) begins his uprising against Greco-Bactrian king Demetrios II.
- **c. 155 BCE**: The [Euthydemid](https://www.worldhistory.org/euthydemid/) Menander succeeds to push back the Eucratids westward of the [Hindu](https://www.worldhistory.org/hinduism/)-[Kush](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kush/).
- **145 BCE**: Murder of [Eucratides](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Eucratides/) by his son. Weakening of the [Greco-Bactrian kingdom](https://www.worldhistory.org/Greco-Bactria/).
- **c. 130 BCE**: Eucratids flee from [Bactria](https://www.worldhistory.org/Bactria/) to [India](https://www.worldhistory.org/india/). Rivalry between Eucratids and Euthydemids takes place in the [Indo-Greek](https://www.worldhistory.org/Indo-Greek/) kingdoms.
- **c. 80 BCE**: Alliance between Euthydemids and Eucratids against the Indo-[Sakas](https://www.worldhistory.org/Scythians/), under the rule of Amyntas.

## Cite This Work

### APA
Simonin, A. (2011, April 28). Eucratid. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/eucratid/>
### Chicago
Simonin, Antoine. "Eucratid." *World History Encyclopedia*, April 28, 2011. <https://www.worldhistory.org/eucratid/>.
### MLA
Simonin, Antoine. "Eucratid." *World History Encyclopedia*, 28 Apr 2011, <https://www.worldhistory.org/eucratid/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Antoine Simonin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/Deathfinger/ "User Page: Antoine Simonin"), published on 28 April 2011. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en). This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.