Diodotus I
Diodotus I Soter (Greek: Διόδοτος Σωτήρ, Diódotos Sōtḗr; c. 315/300 BCE – c. 235 BCE) was the first Hellenistic king of Bactria. Diodotus was initially satrap of Bactria, but became independent of the Seleucid empire around 255 or 245 BCE, establishing the Diodotid Greco-Bactrian Kingdom, which endured in various forms until the beginning of the first century CE. In about 250 BCE, Diodotus repelled a Parthian invasion of Bactria by Arsaces. He also minted an extensive coinage and administered a powerful and prosperous new kingdom. He died around 235 BCE and was succeeded by his son Diodotus II.
| Diodotus I | |
|---|---|
| Basileus | |
Gold coin of Diodotus c. 245 BC. The reverse legend reads: "ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΔΙΟΔΟΤΟΥ" – "(of) King Diodotos". Cabinet des Medailles, Paris. | |
| King of Bactria | |
| Reign | c. 256 or 245 BCE – c. 235 BCE |
| Predecessor | Position Established |
| Successor | Diodotus II |
| Born | c. 300 BC Bactria |
| Died | 235 BC Balkh, Bactria |
| Issue | |
| Dynasty | Diodotid |
| Father | Diodotus |
His rule was recounted by Apollodorus of Artemita in the Parthian History, but this text is lost, and surviving literary sources only mention him in passing. Thus, most details of Diodotus' life have to be reconstructed from numismatics and brief references by Justin. and other historians.