In the history of the ancient world, Bactria is
somewhat of an anomaly: a Greek kingdom
located in modern Afghanistan. When
Alexander the Great conquered the Persian
Empire, he acquired all its outlying provinces
including Bactria. Greek forces then
established and maintained control in Bactria.
After Alexander’s death, his kingdom was
divided among his generals and Bactria
became part of the eastern section, ruled by
the Seleucid Dynasty. There was extensive
immigration of Greeks who found several cities
based on the Greek model complete with
gymnasiums and amphitheatres. Later, the
Greco-Bactria Kingdom asserted its
independence and quickly expanded its
holdings to the upper reaches of the Indus
River Valley. The Greek Kingdom in Bactria
lasted for another two centuries, until it was
finally overwhelmed by nomadic tribesmen
invading from the central Asian steppes.
- (FJ.7264)
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