Apollodotus II

Introduction

Apollodotus II was an Indo-Greek king who ruled parts of western and eastern Punjab in the late 1st century BC, conventionally dated to c. 80–65 BC (Bopearachchi) or c. 85–65 BC (R. C. Senior). He belonged to the Menander I dynastic tradition, as shown by the recurrent Athena Alkidemos motif on his silver coinage and the universal use of the title Soter; on some issues he bore the epithet Philopator, indicating that his father had previously been king.

His rule is marked by the reconquest of Taxila from Scythian control and by extensive coin production. He issued large numbers of silver drachms with a diademed portrait and Athena Alkidemos, a unique type showing a king on a horned horse, and bronze types employing Apollo and a tripod carried over from Apollodotus I. Variations in portrait quality and the appearance of additional Kharosthi monograms on some issues point to newly opened mints in eastern Punjab and the involvement of Indian officials or die-cutters. On a subset of coins he assumed the title Basileus Megas. He overstruck a bronze of the Scythian king Maues; subsequently some of his own coins were overstruck by Zoilos II and by Azes I.

Contemporary minor rulers such as Artemidorus (son of Maues), Telephus and possibly Menander II emerged in the region but did not displace him. After Apollodotus II’s death the Indo-Greek realm fragmented again. His chief historical significance lies in the partial restoration of Indo-Greek authority in Punjab, the recovery of Taxila, and the administrative and monetary imprint visible in his diverse and widespread coinage.