Indo-Scythians Guide, Meaning , Facts, Information and Description
The Indo-Scythians are a branch of the Indo-European Sakas (Scythians), who migrated into Bactria, Sogdiana, Kashmir and finally into Arachosia and then India from the middle of the 2nd century BC to the 1st century BC.
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2 Indo-Scythians kingdoms 3 Main Indo-Scythian rulers 4 See also 5 External links |
Origins
Around 175 BC, the Indo-European Yuezhi tribes who lived in the Tarim Basin (modern Xinjiang and Kansu areas) were defeated by the Xiongnu (Huns) tribes, and had to migrate towards the West into the Ili river area.
There, they displaced the Sakas (Scythian) tribes who had to migrate south and west towards Parthia and Bactria.
In the west, between 138-124 BC, the Sakas came into conflict with the Parthian Empire, during the reign of Phraates II and Artabanus II.
In the south, around 130 BC, the Sakas entered the territory of the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom. They were soon displaced once again by the Yuezhi tribes who were fleeing from renewed attacks from the Xiongnu.
Finally, in the period c. 125-1BC, the Yuezhi settled Bactria and the Scythians settled further to the south-east into parts of Afghanistan and northern Pakistan in the Indus Valley.
Indo-Scythians kingdoms
The presence of the Scythians in north-western India during the 1st century BC was contemporary with that of the Indo-Greek Kingdoms there, and it seems they initially recognized the power of the local Greek rulers. The coins of the Indo-Scythians displayed Greek legends and Greek divinities such as Zeus or Nike. However, towards the end of the 1st century BC it seems they finally controlled most of the territory under Azes II.After the death of Aze II, the rule of the Indo-Scythians in northwestern India finally crumbled with the conquest of the Kushans, one of the five tribes of the Yuezhi who had lived in Bactria for more than a century, and were now expanding into India to create a Kushan Empire.
Soon after, the Parthians invaded from the west. Their leader Gondophares temporarily displaced the Kushans and founded the Indo-Parthian Kingdom that was to last towards the middle of the 1st century AD.
The Kushans ultimately regained northwestern India from around 75 AD, where they were to prosper for several centuries.
Maues, c. 90-60 BC Coin
This is an Article on Indo-Scythians. Page Contains Information, Facts Details or Explanation Guide About Indo-Scythians Main Indo-Scythian rulers
Vonones, c. 75-65 BC Coin
Spalahores, c. 75-65 BC Coin
Spalirises, c. 60-57 BC Coin
Azes I, c. 57-35 BC Coin
Azilises, c. 57-35 BC Coin
Azes II, c. 35-12 BC CoinSee also
External links
