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Area: Indo-Greek, Bactria
Ruler: Hermaeus (Hermaios)
Reigned: 40 - 1 BC
Denomination: AR Drachm
Obverse: Diademed and draped bust right. "ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ ΕΡΜΑΙΟϒ"
Reverse: Zeus enthroned, three-quarter face to left, right hand extended, holding sceptre in left. Monogram in left field. Karosthi legend around.
Reference: GCV 7741, Mitchiner 419d
Weight: 2.1 gms
Diameter: 14.8 mm

Hermaeus

Hermaios (Hermaeus), c. 40-1 B.C. the last king of the western Indo-Greek realm, Hermaios had a long and eventful reign in the course of which his fortunes fluctuated considerably. In the early stages, when his wife Kalliope seems to have shared his throne, Hermaios pursued an aggressive foreign policy and re-conquered some territories which his predecessors had lost. However, his success was only transitory and the Indo-Greeks found themselves surrounded by powerful enemies. Eventually Hermaios was defeated by the Kushan ruler Kujula Kadphises, bringing to an end more than three centuries of Greek dominion in the area.

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