--- title: Euthydemid author: Antoine Simonin source: https://www.worldhistory.org/euthydemid/ format: machine-readable-alternate license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/) updated: 1970-01-01 --- # Euthydemid _Authored by [Antoine Simonin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/Deathfinger/)_ The Euthydemids were a Greco-Bactrian and [Indo-Greek](https://www.worldhistory.org/Indo-Greek/) dynasty of approximately 25 kings, named after its founder Euthydemos. The dynasty lasted between circa 230 BC and 10 BC, according to numismatic evidence. The numismatic emblems which characterize most this dynasty are [Athena](https://www.worldhistory.org/athena/) Alkidemos \[Defender of the peoples\] and [Herakles](https://www.worldhistory.org/hercules/). Euthydemos, became king by overthrowing the Greco-Bactrian king [Diodotos](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/diodotos/) II circa 230 BC. He then succeeded to resist against the [Seleucid](https://www.worldhistory.org/Seleucid_Empire/) king [Antiochos](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/antiochos/) III who eventually recognized Euthydemos as the king of [Bactria](https://www.worldhistory.org/Bactria/). He and his son Demetrios began to [conquer](https://www.worldhistory.org/warfare/) [India](https://www.worldhistory.org/india/) and thus became famous. They are mentioned by [Greek](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/greek/) and Latin classical historians, while their successors were divided since 190 BC and, with some exceptions such as the early Indo-Greek kings Agathocles and Pantaleon, faded into obscurity. Around 171 BC the Euthydemid dominion of Greco-Bactrian and Indo-Greek kingdoms were shaken by the rebellion of [Eucratides](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Eucratides/), who quickly conquered most regions, except the domains of king Menander. From then on the Euthydemid and [Eucratid](https://www.worldhistory.org/eucratid/) dynasties were waging continuous at [war](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/War/) with each other, which lasted for 90 years and tore the Greco-Bactrian and Indo-Greek kingdoms apart. The powerful king Menander succeeded to push Eucratides back to Bactria around 155 BC, but the Euthydemids never fully regained control of Bactria. When the Yuezhei c.145 BC invaded Bactria, the Eucratids retreated into the Indo-Greek possessions. An Euthydemid presence remained in India until 80 BC; when both dynasties were worsened by the powerful Indo-[Saka](https://www.worldhistory.org/Scythians/) king Maues. In defense against Maues an alliance between the two Greek dynasties seems to have taken place, led by Amyntas. After the [death](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Death/) of Maues, numismatic evidences suggests that only the Euthydmids subsequently ruled the Indo-Greek kingdoms, until evidence of Greek presence in India fades around 10BC. #### 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 - **c. 230 BCE**: [Diodotos](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/diodotos/) II is overthrown by Euthydemos. Beginning of the [Euthydemid](https://www.worldhistory.org/euthydemid/) dynasty. - **206 BCE**: Recognition of the [Greco-Bactrian kingdom](https://www.worldhistory.org/Greco-Bactria/) and [Euthydemid](https://www.worldhistory.org/euthydemid/) dynasty by [Antiochos](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/antiochos/) III. - **c. 200 BCE - c. 185 BCE**: Demetrios is general for his father and then becomes king, greatly extending the kingdom in [India](https://www.worldhistory.org/india/). - **c. 190 BCE**: First appearance of multiple [Euthydemid](https://www.worldhistory.org/euthydemid/) kings at the same time. Beginning of the [Indo-Greek](https://www.worldhistory.org/Indo-Greek/) kingdoms. - **186 BCE**: Demetrios wins a decisive [battle](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/battle/) in [Gandhara](https://www.worldhistory.org/Gandhara_Civilization/), beginning the Yona (or [Greek](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/greek/) era) in [India](https://www.worldhistory.org/india/). - **c. 155 BCE**: [Euthydemid](https://www.worldhistory.org/euthydemid/) Menander succeeds to push back [Eucratides](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Eucratides/) westward of [Hindu](https://www.worldhistory.org/hinduism/)-[Kush](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kush/). - **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. - **c. 70 BCE - c. 10 BCE**: Last [Indo-Greek](https://www.worldhistory.org/Indo-Greek/) kings, probably [Euthydemid](https://www.worldhistory.org/euthydemid/) ones. ## External Links - [List of Rulers of the Ancient Greek World | Lists of Rulers | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History | The Metropolitan Museum of Art](https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/gkru/hd_gkru.htm) ## Cite This Work ### APA Simonin, A. (2011, April 28). Euthydemid. *World History Encyclopedia*. ### Chicago Simonin, Antoine. "Euthydemid." *World History Encyclopedia*, April 28, 2011. . ### MLA Simonin, Antoine. "Euthydemid." *World History Encyclopedia*, 28 Apr 2011, . ## 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.