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Diodotus II likely ruled as a co-regent alongside his father, Diodotus I, before becoming the sole king.
Answer: True
Numismatic evidence and historical reconstruction suggest that Diodotus II likely served as a co-regent with his father, Diodotus I, before assuming sole rule of the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom.
The Seleucid Empire gained control over Bactria between 308 and 305 BC.
Answer: True
The Seleucid Empire established its authority over the region of Bactria, organizing it as a satrapy, during the period between 308 and 305 BC.
Diodotus I began asserting his independence from the Seleucid Empire during the reign of Antiochus III the Great.
Answer: False
Diodotus I initiated his assertion of independence from the Seleucid Empire during the reign of Antiochus II Theos (261-246 BC), not Antiochus III the Great.
Numismatic evidence suggests Diodotus II may have served as a co-regent, possibly governing the western region of Bactria.
Answer: True
Based on interpretations of numismatic evidence, particularly concerning coin minting and portraiture, scholars like Frank L. Holt propose that Diodotus II may have acted as a co-regent, potentially overseeing the western territories of Bactria.
Before Diodotus I declared independence, Bactria was a small, autonomous region.
Answer: False
Prior to Diodotus I's declaration of independence, Bactria was not a small, autonomous region but rather a satrapy, or province, under the control of the Seleucid Empire.
Arsaces I, king of the Parni, was initially an ally of Diodotus I against the Seleucids.
Answer: False
Arsaces I, the king of the Parni, was initially an adversary of Diodotus I, having been expelled from Bactria by him. Diodotus I maintained his alliance with the Seleucids against Arsaces.
The Greco-Bactrian Kingdom emerged from the fragmentation of Seleucid authority in the eastern territories of Bactria and Parthia.
Answer: True
The establishment of the independent Greco-Bactrian Kingdom was a direct consequence of the fragmentation of Seleucid authority in the eastern satrapies of Bactria and Parthia, beginning with Diodotus I's secession.
What was the political status of Bactria before Diodotus I declared independence?
Answer: A satrapy (province) of the Seleucid Empire.
Prior to Diodotus I's declaration of independence, Bactria functioned as a satrapy, or province, within the vast Seleucid Empire, having been brought under Seleucid control between 308 and 305 BC.
Who was Arsaces I in relation to Diodotus I and the Seleucids?
Answer: The king of the Parni tribe who conquered Parthia and was initially an adversary of Diodotus I.
Arsaces I was the founder of the Parthian kingdom, having conquered Parthia from the Seleucids. He was initially an adversary of Diodotus I, who had previously expelled him from Bactria.
What was the significance of the Diodotid dynasty?
Answer: It founded the independent Greco-Bactrian Kingdom, marking a secession from the Seleucids.
The Diodotid dynasty, established by Diodotus I, holds historical significance for founding the independent Greco-Bactrian Kingdom, representing a major secession from the Seleucid Empire and creating a prominent Hellenistic state in Central Asia.
Diodotus II, known by the epithet 'Theos', was the founder of the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom and ruled from approximately 255 to 245 BC.
Answer: False
Diodotus I Soter, not Diodotus II, was the founder of the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom. Diodotus II, his son and successor, reigned approximately from 235 to 225 BC.
The epithet 'Theos', associated with Diodotus II, signifies 'King' in Greek, reflecting his supreme royal authority.
Answer: False
The Greek epithet 'Theos' signifies 'God,' not 'King.' Its use by Hellenistic rulers was a common practice to enhance their perceived authority and legitimacy through divine association.
Diodotus II reversed his father's foreign policy by forming an alliance with the Parthians against the Seleucid Empire.
Answer: True
Unlike his father, Diodotus I, who maintained an opposition to the Parthians and aligned with the Seleucids, Diodotus II formed a strategic alliance with the Parthians, thereby shifting Bactria's foreign policy to counter Seleucid influence.
The primary geopolitical reason for Diodotus II's alliance with the Parthians was to counter the Parni tribe's expansion into Bactria.
Answer: False
The primary geopolitical motivation for Diodotus II's alliance with the Parthians was to counter the Seleucid king Seleucus II Callinicus's efforts to reassert control over Bactria, rather than to prevent Parni expansion into Bactria itself.
According to Justin, Arsaces I allied with Diodotus II shortly after Diodotus I's death and successfully fought against Seleucus II.
Answer: True
The historian Justin recounts that Arsaces I of Parthia allied with Diodotus II shortly after Diodotus I's demise and subsequently engaged in conflict with Seleucus II, contributing to the consolidation of Parthian independence.
Diodotus II's reign as sole king is estimated to have lasted for approximately one decade, from 235 to 225 BC.
Answer: True
Historical estimates place Diodotus II's reign as the sole monarch of the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom for approximately ten years, from around 235 BC to 225 BC.
Who was Diodotus II, and what was his primary significance?
Answer: The son and successor of Diodotus I, who solidified Bactria's independence through an alliance with the Parthians.
Diodotus II was the son and successor of Diodotus I. His primary significance lies in his strategic alliance with the Parthians against the Seleucid Empire, which was crucial in solidifying Bactria's independence and establishing the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom as a distinct Hellenistic entity.
What does the Greek epithet 'Theos', associated with Diodotus II, signify?
Answer: The God
The Greek epithet 'Theos' translates to 'God.' Hellenistic rulers often adopted such epithets to associate themselves with divinity, thereby enhancing their perceived authority and legitimacy.
How did Diodotus II's foreign policy differ significantly from his father's?
Answer: He formed an alliance with the Parthians against the Seleucid Empire.
Diodotus I maintained an opposition to the Parthians and aligned with the Seleucids. Diodotus II reversed this by forming an alliance with the Parthians, thereby shifting Bactria's foreign policy to counter Seleucid influence and secure its independence.
What was the primary geopolitical motivation behind Diodotus II's alliance with the Parthians?
Answer: To counter Seleucus II Callinicus's efforts to reincorporate Bactria into the Seleucid empire.
The principal geopolitical driver for Diodotus II's alliance with the Parthians was to thwart the attempts of Seleucus II Callinicus to reintegrate Bactria into the Seleucid Empire, thereby safeguarding Bactria's hard-won independence.
Detailed literary accounts, such as Apollodorus of Artemita's *Parthian History*, are the primary source for understanding Diodotus II's reign.
Answer: False
While Apollodorus of Artemita's *Parthian History* reportedly contained details about Diodotus' career, this work is lost. Consequently, numismatic evidence (the study of coins) serves as the primary source for reconstructing Diodotus II's life and reign.
The change in coin legends from 'Of King Antiochus' to 'Of Diodotus' signified Bactria's continued submission to Seleucid authority.
Answer: False
The transition of coin legends from 'Of King Antiochus' to 'Of Diodotus' represented a definitive declaration of Bactria's independence from the Seleucid Empire, not continued submission.
Diodotus II minted gold staters, silver tetradrachms, drachms, hemidrachms, and bronze coins of various denominations.
Answer: True
Diodotus II's minting activities included precious metal coinage such as gold staters and silver tetradrachms, drachms, and hemidrachms, alongside a range of bronze denominations.
Coinage from Diodotus I's reign exclusively featured mature portraits, clearly distinguishing it from any coins potentially minted by Diodotus II.
Answer: False
Coinage attributed to Diodotus I's reign included two distinct series: one featuring a mature portrait identified as Diodotus I, and another depicting a younger, similar figure, which numismatists often identify as Diodotus II.
Diodotus II issued bronze coinage in four denominations: double, single, half, and quarter units.
Answer: True
Diodotus II's bronze coinage was issued in four distinct denominations: double, single, half, and quarter units, indicating a structured monetary system for everyday transactions.
The widespread issuance of bronze coinage suggests a decline in economic activity and a return to barter in Bactria.
Answer: False
The profusion and variety of bronze coinage issued by Diodotus II actually suggest a significant level of economic activity and a process of progressive monetization, indicating an increase, not a decline, in the use of currency.
Diodotus II is honored on posthumous coins minted by later rulers like Agathocles and Antimachus I.
Answer: True
Later Greco-Bactrian rulers, including Agathocles and Antimachus I, minted coins that honored Diodotus II, often imitating his coinage and perpetuating his memory and legitimacy.
Frank L. Holt suggests the 'series B' coinage, featuring Diodotus I's portrait, was minted during Diodotus II's early reign to establish his own legitimacy.
Answer: False
Frank L. Holt posits that the 'series B' coinage, which features an idealized portrait of Diodotus I, was likely minted towards the end of Diodotus II's reign. He suggests this was an effort by Diodotus II to reinforce his legitimacy as the founder's son, potentially during the period of internal conflict with Euthydemus I.
The title *Basileus* used by Diodotus II indicated his role as a military commander within the Seleucid army.
Answer: False
The Greek title *Basileus* translates to 'King,' signifying the highest royal authority. It indicated Diodotus II's status as the monarch of the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom, not merely a military commander.
The depiction of a diademed head on Diodotus II's coins was primarily intended to showcase Hellenistic fashion trends.
Answer: False
The diademed head on Diodotus II's coins symbolized his royal power and Hellenistic kingship, a convention established by Alexander the Great to project authority and legitimacy, rather than merely reflecting fashion trends.
The Attic weight standard, used for Diodotus II's coins, was a local standard specific only to Bactria.
Answer: False
The Attic weight standard was a widely adopted system for coinage throughout the Hellenistic world, not a local standard exclusive to Bactria. Diodotus II's adherence to it indicated his integration into broader Hellenistic monetary practices.
The image of Zeus on Diodotus II's coins symbolized the king's military prowess and dominance.
Answer: True
The depiction of Zeus, the supreme deity, preparing his thunderbolt on the reverse of Diodotus II's coins served as a potent symbol of royal power, divine sanction, and the king's capacity to enforce his authority.
The widespread issuance of bronze coinage suggests a process of progressive monetization occurring within Bactria during Diodotus II's rule.
Answer: True
The extensive minting of bronze coinage, particularly in multiple denominations, indicates a growing economy and an increasing reliance on currency for everyday transactions, signifying a process of progressive monetization within Bactria.
What is considered the primary source of evidence for reconstructing Diodotus II's life and reign due to scarcity of written records?
Answer: Numismatic evidence, specifically the study of coins.
Due to the scarcity of detailed written records, numismatic evidence, which involves the systematic study of coins minted during Diodotus II's reign, is considered the primary source for reconstructing his life and rule.
What did the transition of coin legends from 'Of King Antiochus' to 'Of Diodotus' symbolize?
Answer: The final declaration of Bactria's independence from the Seleucid Empire.
The change in the legend on Bactrian coins from 'Of King Antiochus' to 'Of Diodotus' represented a definitive declaration of Bactria's complete independence from the Seleucid Empire, signaling the full establishment of the Greco-Bactrian kingdom under its own rulers.
Which of the following was a type of precious metal coin minted by Diodotus II?
Answer: Silver drachms
Diodotus II minted various precious metal coins, including gold staters and silver denominations such as tetradrachms, drachms, and hemidrachms, adhering to the Attic weight standard.
What imagery was typically found on the reverse of Diodotus II's gold and silver coins?
Answer: Zeus preparing to throw his thunderbolt.
The reverse sides of Diodotus II's gold staters and silver tetradrachms commonly featured Zeus, the king of the gods, depicted in the act of preparing to cast his thunderbolt, symbolizing divine power and royal authority.
What does the profusion of bronze coinage issued by Diodotus II suggest about the Bactrian economy?
Answer: A significant level of economic activity and increasing use of currency.
The extensive issuance of bronze coinage, particularly in multiple denominations, indicates a robust level of economic activity and a growing reliance on currency for daily transactions, signifying a process of progressive monetization within Bactria.
Which of the following deities was NOT typically depicted on Diodotus II's bronze coinage?
Answer: Apollo
Diodotus II's bronze coinage featured deities such as Hermes, Athena, Zeus, and Artemis. Apollo is not typically listed among the deities depicted on his bronze issues.
The title *Basileus* on Diodotus II's coins signifies:
Answer: His royal authority as King.
The Greek title *Basileus* translates to 'King,' signifying the highest royal authority. Its use on Diodotus II's coins confirmed his status as the monarch of the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom.
According to Frank L. Holt's hypothesis, what might have been the purpose of increased gold coinage towards the end of Diodotus II's reign?
Answer: To finance soldiers during the civil war with Euthydemus I.
Frank L. Holt suggests that the increased minting of gold coinage towards the end of Diodotus II's reign may have been intended to finance soldiers or support military campaigns during the civil conflict with Euthydemus I.
What does the depiction of a diademed head on Diodotus II's coins symbolize?
Answer: His royal power and Hellenistic kingship.
The diademed head on Diodotus II's coins served as a visual representation of his royal power and Hellenistic kingship, a convention used by rulers to project legitimacy and authority.
The 'series B' coinage, potentially linked to Diodotus II, featured a portrait of:
Answer: An idealized portrait of Diodotus I.
The 'series B' coinage, which Frank L. Holt associates with Diodotus II's reign, features an idealized portrait of his father, Diodotus I, possibly to reinforce legitimacy during a period of conflict.
What does the term 'progressive monetization' imply about Bactria during Diodotus II's reign?
Answer: Coinage was becoming increasingly common and sophisticated.
The term 'progressive monetization' suggests that during Diodotus II's rule, the use of coinage as a medium of exchange became more widespread and sophisticated throughout Bactria, evidenced by the quantity and variety of coins issued.
Which of the following rulers is mentioned as minting posthumous coins honoring Diodotus II?
Answer: Agathocles
Later Greco-Bactrian rulers, such as Agathocles and Antimachus I, minted coins that honored Diodotus II posthumously, often imitating his coinage and perpetuating his memory.
What does the depiction of Zeus on Diodotus II's coins symbolize?
Answer: The king's connection to divine power and authority.
The image of Zeus on Diodotus II's coins, particularly preparing his thunderbolt, symbolized the king's connection to divine power and authority, reinforcing his legitimacy and rule.
What was the likely purpose of Diodotus II issuing bronze coins in multiple denominations (double, single, half, quarter)?
Answer: To facilitate everyday economic transactions for a wider population.
The issuance of bronze coins in multiple denominations (double, single, half, and quarter units) suggests a deliberate effort to facilitate everyday economic transactions and promote the use of currency among a broader segment of the population.
What does the diadem worn by rulers like Diodotus II, as depicted on coins, symbolize?
Answer: Royal status and authority
The diadem, a band worn around the head with strips hanging down, was the principal symbol of Hellenistic kingship since Alexander the Great, signifying royal status and supreme authority.
Why was Apollodorus of Artemita's *Parthian History* significant for understanding Diodotus II, despite being lost?
Answer: It reportedly provided a detailed account of Diodotus' career.
Apollodorus of Artemita's lost work, the *Parthian History*, is significant because it reportedly contained a detailed account of Diodotus' career, making its absence a notable gap in the historical record for understanding this period.
Diodotus II's reign ended when he voluntarily abdicated the throne to his son.
Answer: False
Diodotus II's reign concluded not through abdication, but through his assassination by Euthydemus I, who then seized the throne, thereby ending the Diodotid dynasty.
How did Diodotus II's reign come to an end?
Answer: He was murdered by Euthydemus I, who then seized the throne.
Diodotus II's reign concluded around 225 BC when he was assassinated by Euthydemus I. Euthydemus I subsequently usurped the throne, marking the end of the Diodotid dynasty and the commencement of the Euthydemid dynasty.
Which historical theory, now largely unsupported, suggested Euthydemus I was related to Diodotus II as a son-in-law?
Answer: W. W. Tarn's hypothesis about a marriage alliance.
The hypothesis that Euthydemus I was related to Diodotus II as a son-in-law was proposed by historian W. W. Tarn. This theory, suggesting a marriage alliance, is no longer widely accepted due to a lack of supporting evidence.
What historical event is suggested by archaeological evidence at Ai-Khanoum around 225 BC, coinciding with Euthydemus I's rise?
Answer: A period of civil war and conflict.
Archaeological evidence indicating that the city of Ai-Khanoum was besieged around 225 BC, coinciding with Euthydemus I's seizure of power, suggests a period of civil war and intense conflict during the transition of dynasties.
The conflict between Seleucus II and Arsaces, influenced by Diodotus II's alliance, occurred around 228 BC.
Answer: True
The military engagement between Seleucus II Callinicus and Arsaces, which was strategically influenced by Diodotus II's alliance with the Parthians, is estimated to have taken place circa 228 BC.
According to the historian Justin, what was the outcome of the conflict involving Seleucus II and Arsaces I, influenced by Diodotus II?
Answer: Arsaces I allied with Diodotus II and defeated Seleucus II, securing Parthian freedom.
Justin's account indicates that Arsaces I, allied with Diodotus II, successfully fought against Seleucus II. This conflict was pivotal in securing Parthian independence and demonstrated the strategic impact of the Greco-Bactrian alliance.
Which region roughly corresponds to ancient Bactria?
Answer: Northern Afghanistan and surrounding areas.
Ancient Bactria encompassed the territory that corresponds approximately to modern-day northern Afghanistan, extending into adjacent regions of Central Asia.
What was the broader impact of Diodotus II's alliance with the Parthians?
Answer: It weakened the Seleucids and helped secure Bactria's independence.
Diodotus II's alliance with the Parthians against the Seleucid Empire significantly weakened the Seleucids by creating a two-front challenge. This strategic move was instrumental in securing Bactria's independence and contributed to the rising influence of the Parthian kingdom.