Hellenic Pakistan

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Territory of the Indo-Greeks covering most of Pakistan, circa 150 BC.

Hellenic Pakistan or Hellenistic Pakistan refers to a period in the history of Ancient Pakistan from 300 BCE to 10 AD when Greek culture was dominant and had a significant impact.[1] It started when Alexander the Great, from Macedonia, conquered Pakistan and later when Seleucid, Greco-Bactrian and Indo-Greek kingdoms took over.[2] It was a time when Greek and South Asian cultures mixed a lot, changing how things were politically, socially, and culturally in the region.[3][4]

Around 300 BCE, Alexander conquered parts of what is now Pakistan, and Greek culture spread there. They built Greek-style cities and capitals to rule from. Some famous ones were Alexandria on the Indus, Bucephala, Nicaea, Alexandria on the Acesines, and Taxila. These places became centers for Greek culture, trade, and government.[5][6]

After Alexander, the Seleucid empire, Greco-Bactrian and Indo-Greek kingdoms came into power. They blended Greek ways with local customs in things like art, buildings, and religion. Cities like Sirkap and Sagala became important during this time. They saw a lot of sharing of ideas and traditions between Greek people and the locals.[7]

The Greek impact on Pakistan lasted a long time. Even after the Hellenic period, it continued during the Kushan, Indo-Parthian, Indo-Scythian and Mauryan periods in Ancient Pakistan. This connection between the west and east helped create Gandharan art, which combined Greek and local Buddhist art styles.[8][9][10]

Under the Macedonian Empire[change | change source]

A painting by Charles Le Brun depicting Alexander and Porus during the Battle of the Hydaspes in Pakistan.

The time in Pakistan's history when it was conquered by Alexander the Great of the Macedonian empire began the start of the Hellenic era. Alexander took over the Persian Empire around 300 BCE, which included parts of Pakistan, and it brought big changes in politics, culture, and society.[11]

Alexander fought many battles in Pakistan. One famous one was the Battle of the Hydaspes River in 326 BCE, where he fought King Porus of the local Paurava kingdom. This victory let him take over the Punjab region in Pakistan. After this battle, Alexander kept moving east until his tired soldiers made him turn back at the Beas River.[5]

Alexander built many Greek cities in Pakistan, these included Alexandria on the Indus, the twin cities of Bucephala and Nicaea, and Alexandria on the Acesines, which were important capitals and a centre of trading. These cities became centers of Greek culture, where Greek people and locals shared ideas and ways of life. Alexander also encouraged Greek soldiers to marry locals, mixing Greek and South Asian customs.[12][13]

After Alexander died in 323 BCE, his big empire split into different Hellenistic kingdoms, like the Seleucid Empire and the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom. Pakistan was ruled by these new Hellenic kingdoms, each trying to control the region. During this time, local dynasties gained power, leading to the Indo-Greek kingdoms taking over.[14][15]

Under the Seleucid Empire[change | change source]

Map of the Seleucid empire, it ruled most of eastern Pakistan.

The Seleucid Empire was started by Seleucus I Nicator, who was one of Alexander the Great's top generals. After Alexander died, his empire split, and the Seleucids became a big kingdom. In Pakistan, they wanted to make sure they had control over the area because it was important for trading and having a strong military.[14]

When the Seleucids ruled, they continued the Greek influence in Pakistan. They set up offices and armies in important cities like Taxila and Pushkalavati (Charshada) to control trade routes and important stuff. These cities became places where people from the Mediterranean and the Indo-Pak subcontinent came together to trade, learn, and make things.[16]

During the time of the Seleucids in Pakistan, Greek and local ways mixed a lot. Greek people married locals, and this made new mixed cultures. Art, buildings, and religious practices showed this mix too. Gandharan art is a good example of how Greek and South Asian styles came together.[17]

Despite successes, the Seleucid Empire faced challenges from other big powers like the Maurya Empire and the Parthian Empire in Iran. Inside the empire, there were also problems. Because of this, the Seleucids lost control bit by bit in Pakistan. By the 2nd century BCE, the region was split, and local dynasties took control of different areas.[18]

Greco-Bactrian kingdom[change | change source]

A Gandharan Stupa in Lahore Museum, Pakistan.

The Greco-Bactrian Kingdom, also called the Euthydemid Empire, came after the Seleucid Empire in the eastern parts of what Alexander the Great conquered. Diodotus I started this kingdom, and it grew to include parts of today's Pakistan, becoming a rich and diverse place.[19]

When the Greco-Bactrians ruled, Pakistan grew bigger, and people had more money. Leaders like Euthydemus I and Demetrius I made friends with local rulers and made sure trade routes made them rich. Cities like Taxila and Pushkalavati became big centers for trade and culture when the Greco-Bactrians were in charge.[20]

During this time, art, writing, and thinking became really important. Greek and local ways mixed to make a special culture. Gandharan art was a big deal then, showing stories in sculptures that looked real. This art mixed Greek, Indian, and Persian styles. Kings like Menander I helped a lot in making Buddhist art and learning popular in Pakistan.[21]

But the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom didn't last forever. Problems inside and outside made things tough. By the 1st century BCE, the kingdom broke into smaller parts, and this gave a chance for the Indo-Greek kingdoms to start in Pakistan. Even though the kingdom ended, the impact of its culture and art lasted a long time.[22][23]

Indo-Greek kingdom[change | change source]

The Double-Headed-Eagle Stupa — at Sirkap, a Indo-Greek archaeological site in Pakistan.

The Indo-Greek Kingdom, emerged as a prominent successor state to the Hellenistic kingdoms in ancient Pakistan. The kingdom was founded when the Greco-Bactrian king Demetrius (and later Eucratides) when they invaded the Indus Valley (Pakistan) from Bactria in 200 BC.[24]

Demetrius I, a general from the Seleucid Empire, began the Indo-Greek Kingdom around 200 BCE. He said he was in charge and ruled in today's Pakistan. The kingdom covered a big part of the northwest, including Punjab and parts of Gandhara. Kings like Menander I, Apollodotus I, and Demetrius II made it even bigger by conquering more areas.[25]

Silver coin of Demetrius I of Bactria (reigned c. 200–180 BC) in the Greco-Bactrian standard, wearing an elephant scalp, symbol of his conquests of areas in the Indus Valley (Pakistan).

During this time, Greek, Indian, and local ways mixed a lot. Greek people mixed with locals, picking up some of their ways and religion while still keeping Greek customs alive. Art and buildings showed this mix too, especially in places like Gandhara where Buddhism was big. Kings like Menander I were famous for supporting Buddhism and helping Buddhist places like monasteries and stupas.[26]

The Indo-Greek Kingdom helped a lot in trading between the East and West. Cities like Taxila, Pushkalavati, and Sagala were busy trading spots, bringing in merchants from all over. Indo-Greek rulers liked trading and making friends with neighbors, which made the region rich.[27]

But the Indo-Greek Kingdom didn't last forever. Other local powers like the Indo-Scythians and the Kushans took over. By around 100 CE, the kingdom was gone, and its lands became part of other places nearby. Even though it ended, the Indo-Greek kingdoms legacy, its art, coins, and mix of cultures shaped ancient Pakistan. It shows how Greek ways left a big mark on South Asia's history and culture.[28]

References[change | change source]

  1. ↑ Simonin, Antoine. "Indo-Greek Timeline". www.worldhistory.org. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  2. ↑ Quddus, Syed Abdul (1989). The Cultural Patterns of Pakistan. Ferozsons. ISBN 978-969-0-10002-3.
  3. ↑ Imam, Amna; Dar, Eazaz A. (2013-12-14). Democracy and Public Administration in Pakistan. CRC Press. ISBN 978-1-4665-1154-5.
  4. ↑ Samad, Rafi U. (2002). The Greeks in Ancient Pakistan. Indus Publications. ISBN 978-969-529-001-9.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Battle of the Hydaspes | Alexander the Great, Map, Tactics, & Significance | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  6. ↑ A. B. Bosworth (1996). Alexander and the East. Internet Archive. Clarendon Press. ISBN 978-0-19-814991-0.
  7. ↑ Kosmin, Paul J. (2014-06-23). The Land of the Elephant Kings: Space, Territory, and Ideology in the Seleucid Empire. Harvard University Press. ISBN 978-0-674-72882-0.
  8. ↑ "Gandhara art | Greco-Roman, Indian & Buddhist | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  9. ↑ Holt, Frank L. (2003-11-24). Alexander the Great and the Mystery of the Elephant Medallions. Univ of California Press. ISBN 978-0-520-24483-2.
  10. ↑ Samad, Rafi U. (2002). The Greeks in Ancient Pakistan. Indus Publications. ISBN 978-969-529-001-9.
  11. ↑ Eggermont, Pierre Herman Leonard (1975). Alexander's Campaigns in Sind and Baluchistan and the Siege of the Brahmin Town of Harmatelia. Peeters Publishers. ISBN 978-90-6186-037-2.
  12. ↑ Fraser, P. M. (1996-07-18). Cities of Alexander the Great. Clarendon Press. ISBN 978-0-19-158444-2.
  13. ↑ Stein, M. Aurel (2014-11-06). On Alexander's Track to the Indus. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-1-108-07760-6.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Kosmin, Paul J. (2014-06-23). The Land of the Elephant Kings: Space, Territory, and Ideology in the Seleucid Empire. Harvard University Press. ISBN 978-0-674-72882-0.
  15. ↑ Doherty, P. C. (2004). Alexander the Great: The Death of a God : what - Or who - Really Killed the Young Conqueror of the Known World?. Constable. ISBN 978-1-84119-877-4.
  16. ↑ in60Learning (2019-04-22). The Seleucid Empire: The Rise and Fall of the Hellenistic State. Amazon Digital Services LLC - KDP Print US. ISBN 978-1-0954-9220-8.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  17. ↑ "Seleucid empire | Map, Rulers, Location, & Facts | Britannica". www.britannica.com. 2024-03-30. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  18. ↑ "How Seleucus Nicator gave away most of Pakistan and Afghanistan for 500 elephants". The Indian Express. 2020-06-19. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  19. ↑ Holt, Frank Lee (1993). Alexander the Great and Bactria: the formation of a Greek frontier in central Asia. Supplement to Mnemosyne (3rd ed.). Leiden: New York : E.J. Brill. ISBN 978-90-04-08612-8.
  20. ↑ McIntosh, Matthew (2021-08-18). "The Ancient Greco-Bactrian Kingdom and Hellenistic Afghanistan". Brewminate: A Bold Blend of News and Ideas. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  21. ↑ Behrendt, Authors: Kurt. "Gandhara | Essay | The Metropolitan Museum of Art | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History". The Met’s Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  22. ↑ Simonin, Antoine. "Greco-Bactrian Kingdom". World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  23. ↑ Books, L. L. C. (2010). Bactrian and Indian Hellenistic Dynasties: Greco-Bactrian Kings, Indo-Greek Kings, Demetrius I of Bactria, Euthydemus I, Diodotus I. General Books LLC. ISBN 978-1-157-77679-6.
  24. ↑ "Indo-Greek kingdom | Asian history | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  25. ↑ Simonin, Antoine. "Indo-Greek Timeline". www.worldhistory.org. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  26. ↑ "Gandhara | Buddhist Art, Greco-Buddhist, Taxila | Britannica". www.britannica.com. 2024-03-15. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  27. ↑ Samad, Rafi U. (2011). The Grandeur of Gandhara: The Ancient Buddhist Civilization of the Swat, Peshawar, Kabul and Indus Valleys. Algora Publishing. ISBN 978-0-87586-859-2.
  28. ↑ Dani, Ahmad Hasan (2007). History of Pakistan: Pakistan Through Ages. Sang-e Meel Publications. ISBN 978-969-35-2020-0.
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