Antiochus Nikator

Antiochus Nikator

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.

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: Zeus 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, [Monnaies Gréco-Bactriennes et Indo-Grecques, Catalogue Raisonné", Osmund Bopearachchi, 1991, Bibliothèque Nationale de France, ISBN 2-7177-1825-7.] 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.

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