Bas of Bithynia: Early Independent Ruler in Asia Minor

Introduction

Bas (c. 397–326 BC) was a dynast of Bithynia in Asia Minor, traditionally associated with the Nicomimid family. He succeeded his father Boteiras and ruled for fifty years from 376 to 326 BC. During his tenure Bas resisted Macedonian encroachment following Alexander the Great’s campaign in Anatolia; sources record that he defeated Calas, one of Alexander’s generals, and repulsed a well‑equipped force sent to subdue the region, thereby maintaining Bithynian independence. One account records the expulsion of Macedonian forces from Bithynia in 322 BC. Bas died in 326 BC at the age of 71 and was succeeded by his son Zipoetes I. He is commonly regarded as the first independent ruler of Bithynia, although some sources describe him as a dynast under Achaemenid influence and note that his son was the first to claim the royal title.