Antiochus Nikator
Encyclopedia
Antiochus I Nikator of Bactria
was possibly a Graeco-Bactrian king and relative of Diodotus I
, who ruled for some period between 250 - 220 BCE. His existence is controversial.
hurling a thunderbolt, with an eagle on the side.
These coins have often been interpreted as semi-independent issues of the first Bactrian king Diodotus I, who during the early stages of his liberation from the Seleucid empire used the name of his former overlord, the Seleucid king Antiochus II.
However, another possibility would be that they were struck by a Bactrian king who himself was called Antiochos. This king might have been a brother or a younger son of Diodotos I, ruling either as a co-regent or after the death of the first Diodotos' successor and son Diodotus II
.
The later Bactrian king Agathocles
honoured earlier rulers of Bactria on commemorative coins. Some of these honour a king Antiochos similar to the aforementioned series. On these commemorative coins, Antiochos was given the epithet "Nikator" (Victor).
Since this epithet was never used by Antiochus II (who was called "Theos", (God)), nor by any other Seleucid king named Antiochus, might indicate that Antiochus Nikator was a distinct individual. However, given the practices surrounding the award of epithets to Hellenistic rulers, it may be that Agathocles gave this epithet to one of the various Antiochus' in celebration of some victory.
No ancient sources mention him. Until further evidence appears, the question of his existence remains unresolved.
Bactria
Bactria and also appears in the Zend Avesta as Bukhdi. It is the ancient name of a historical region located between south of the Amu Darya and west of the Indus River...
was possibly a Graeco-Bactrian king and relative of Diodotus I
Diodotus I
Diodotus I Soter was Seleucid satrap of Bactria, rebelled against Seleucid rule soon after the death of Antiochus II in c. 255 or 246 BC, and wrested independence for his territory. He died in 239 BC....
, who ruled for some period between 250 - 220 BCE. His existence is controversial.
A Seleucid king or a Bactrian namesake?
Several Bactrian coins from the time of Diodotus I are struck with the legend "Of King Antiochus", though the portraits resemble those of Diodotos I and the reverse is the same as on other Diodotid coins: ZeusZeus
In the ancient Greek religion, Zeus was the "Father of Gods and men" who ruled the Olympians of Mount Olympus as a father ruled the family. He was the god of sky and thunder in Greek mythology. His Roman counterpart is Jupiter and his Etruscan counterpart is Tinia.Zeus was the child of Cronus...
hurling a thunderbolt, with an eagle on the side.
These coins have often been interpreted as semi-independent issues of the first Bactrian king Diodotus I, who during the early stages of his liberation from the Seleucid empire used the name of his former overlord, the Seleucid king Antiochus II.
However, another possibility would be that they were struck by a Bactrian king who himself was called Antiochos. This king might have been a brother or a younger son of Diodotos I, ruling either as a co-regent or after the death of the first Diodotos' successor and son Diodotus II
Diodotus II
Diodotus II was a Greco-Bactrian king from c. 239 BC, son of Diodotus I. He is known for concluding a peace treaty with the Parthian king Arsaces, in order to forestall the Seleucid reconquest of both Parthia and Bactria:...
.
The later Bactrian king Agathocles
Agathocles
Agathocles , , was tyrant of Syracuse and king of Sicily .-Biography:...
honoured earlier rulers of Bactria on commemorative coins. Some of these honour a king Antiochos similar to the aforementioned series. On these commemorative coins, Antiochos was given the epithet "Nikator" (Victor).
Since this epithet was never used by Antiochus II (who was called "Theos", (God)), nor by any other Seleucid king named Antiochus, might indicate that Antiochus Nikator was a distinct individual. However, given the practices surrounding the award of epithets to Hellenistic rulers, it may be that Agathocles gave this epithet to one of the various Antiochus' in celebration of some victory.
No ancient sources mention him. Until further evidence appears, the question of his existence remains unresolved.