Geographical and Economic Studies in the Mahabharata: Upayana Parva c5.83

c5.83

Now coming to the embassies sent by Sahadeva we are faced with a dilemma as to the period in which the embassy to Antioch was sent. Antioch was probably founded in about 300 B.C. and since then it had continuous friendly relation with the Mauryas which we have already described. The embassy was peaceful and not in connection with any war. Does it therefore reflect the embassy of Aśoka to Antiochus II in 258? But the date is too early on the strength of the evidences which we have already produced about the probable date of the Sabhāparva, though of course it is possible that in this couplet reference is being made to some previous event. Another point which should be marked is that at the time of the embassy the independent states of Antioch as the capital of free Seleucid state was recognised. This independence was greatly reduced after the battle of Magnesia in 187 B.C. when the Romans won over the forces of Antiochus III. Antiochus IV, though he was pulled sharply from time to time by the Romans to remind him of his allegiance to Roman State tried to reassert the waning power of the Seleucids. After his death in 163 B.C. Seleucid power declined rapidly. Antiochus VII (138 B.C.—129) the last strong representative of the old royal house fell fighting with the Parthians⁵⁵ in 129. After him follow a long line of rival kings fighting over what remained of the Seleucid Kingdom. The possibility is therefore that the embassy referred to may be dated either in the reign of Antiochus III (221—187 B.C.) or Antiochus IV (171—163 B.C.)