Intro
Bactria had long been the easternmost center of power of the Seleucid Empire. In 280 B.C., with the empire's forces stretched thin, Diodates of Bactria seized power in his own name, establishing the first dynasty of the Bactrian Kingdom, with the great city of Bactra as it's capital.
The Kingdom of Bactria during the early days of Diodates Reign.
Diodates was of hellenistic heritage, and found himself the ruler of a kingdom of Greeks, Persians, and Indians. It was a varied population, but it was this variety which would give Bactria it's great strength. Drawing on the best military ideas of both the Greeks and the Indians, Bactria had the potential to call up a formidable military force.
Diodates, King of Bactria
Unfortunately, Bactria at the beginning of Diodates' reign was something of a backwater. However, Diodates also saw the potential for great wealth, with his kingdom controlling the valuable trade routes which flourished between east and west. Bactria was also a land filled with many natural resources. Diodates knew he must access these resources if he was to stand up to any attempts by the Seleucids to bring Bactria back under the imperial fold.
Therefore, in the Spring of 280 B.C., Diodates set into motion many policies, both economic and military, which he hoped would ensure the survival of his kingdom for generations to come.
His first move was to disband unnecessary troops back into the population, thus freeing up much needed denarii for his plans to build the infrastructure that any kingdom needed to survive. Once the military reforms had taken place, he ordered the construction of low level mining facilities in the surrounding mountains, so that he might access the wealth of resources which up until now had been virtually untouched.
The Kingdom of Bactria at this time was split into two provinces. The province of Bactria, with it's capital at Bactra, would be governed by Diodates himself, while the second province, Paropamisadae, with it's political centre in the Indian city of Kophen, would be governed by his only son, Euthydemos of Bactria.
Euthydemos, Governor of Paropamisadae, and heir to the Bactrian Crown.
Bactria was surrounded by many potential enemies and allies. The Seleucid Empire bordered to the west, the Parthians were to the north, and several independent indian kingdoms lay to the east and south. Diodates knew all of these kingdoms and empires would have to be subdued, through either diplomatic or military means, if his kingdom was to survive for more than a generation.
It would be a hard road ahead, but Diodates knew the rewards would be great.
End of Intro
That's all I have up until now....I'll play more over the next few days, and hopefully chapter one won't be the end of the story (I've tried to play with Bactria before, but have always failed). I hope it doesn't suck.