The Early History of the Deccan (Parts I–XI) v1.c7.s6.61

v1.c7.s6.61

Eukratides was now master of Seistan, Arachosia, Aria, Bactria, and Sogdiana. He carried war into India. This time Apollodotus died fighting Eukratides in *c.* 162 B.C. His kingdom of Alexandria-Kapisa became a province of Eukratides’ dominions. Eukratides would fain have added to his Indian possessions but his eastern advance was probably checked by Menander and thereafter the grave news that Mithridates had invaded his homelands demanded his immediate return. Mithridates’ earlier conquest of Media in 161 B.C. had augmented his military resources by bringing him the Śakas as mercenaries or allies. To conquer him was wellnigh impossible. Eukratides lost his dominions and his own life at the same time. As Justin says, ‘his end was to be conquered by the Parthians; however, he fought well first.’³