Iran & Central AsiaAsia

Greco-Bactrian Kingdom

256 – 120 BCE · about 136 years

The Greco-Bactrian Kingdom was a Hellenistic Greek state in Bactria (modern Afghanistan and Central Asia) that broke away from the Seleucids. Its rulers later expanded into north-western India, giving rise to the Indo-Greek kingdoms.

Key facts

Dates	256 – 120 BCE
Region	Iran & Central Asia
Continent	Asia
Capital	Bactra
Founder	Diodotus I
Religion(s)	Ancient Greek religion, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism
Peak extent	≈ 2.5 million km² (c. 184 BCE) – source

Before & after

Preceded by

Seleucid Empire

Followed by

Indo-Greek Kingdom Kushan Empire Parthian Empire Indo-Scythian Kingdom

Sources

Wikipedia – Greco-Bactrian Kingdom
Wikipedia – List of largest empires

Dates follow widely used reference works; many ancient dates are approximate or debated. Neutral summary for general reference.