FRAGMENTATION AND CRISES IN CENTRAL ASIA UNDER THE SELEUCID GOVERNMENT
Keywords:
Seleucid Empire, Central Asia, Bactria, Parthia, Hellenistic period, political fragmentation, military crisis, dynastic conflict, Antiochus III, Antiochus IV.Abstract
This article examines the political, military, and psychological crises that led to the fragmentation of Central Asia under the Seleucid Empire. Following the death of Seleucus I, the vast Seleucid realm faced increasing instability as eastern satrapies such as Bactria, Sogdiana, and Parthia sought independence. The weakening of central authority, combined with internal dynastic conflicts and foreign invasions, gradually dissolved Seleucid control over the eastern territories. The study highlights how socio-economic developments in Central Asia, coupled with the rise of local powers and the influence of Hellenistic culture, transformed the political landscape of the region. Ultimately, the paper demonstrates that continuous internal strife and external pressure from Rome and Parthia accelerated the decline of Seleucid rule, leaving behind a legacy of fragmented states and cultural hybridity in Central Asia.
