170: Hellenistic Mesopotamia
Summary
Host Trevor Cully details Antiochus III’s eastern campaign to reconquer Parthia and Bactria, highlighting the Battle of the Arius and the subsequent vassalage of King Euthydemus. The episode covers Antiochus’s march into the Hindu Kush, where he secured Indian elephants from Sophagasinus, and his naval expedition to the Persian Gulf, establishing influence in Gerha and Tylos. This successful Anabasis earned Antiochus the epithet "the Great" and set the stage for future conflicts with a vulnerable Egypt.
Topics discussed
Intro, FlexCar ad, and episode welcome
Recap of Antiochus III's war with Sophene
Campaign against Parthia and siege of Syrinx
History of the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom
Battle of the Arius against Euthydemus
Siege of Bactra and peace treaty with Bactria
March into the Hindu Kush and Parapamisadae
Alliance with Sophagasinus and elephant tribute
Conquest of Arachosia and return route
Expedition into the Persian Gulf and Arabia
Tribute from Gerrha and arrival at Tylos
History of Bahrain (Tylos) and Seleucid rule
Antiochus earns the title 'The Great'
Political chaos in Egypt and Ptolemy V
Outro, support info, and sponsor ads
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