Ancient hand carved carnelian agate disc intaglio seal with image of Demetrius I, created after the Demetrius I coins of his era. Demetrius I the Greco-Bactrian/Indo-Greek king was also known as Dharmamita (Godliness), reigned from c. 200–180 BC. His reign included geographical areas extending from Bactria to ancient northwestern India. He was the son of the Greco-Bactrian ruler Euthydemus I and succeeded him around 200 BC, after which he subsequently conquered extensive areas which are now parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan.Since he was never defeated in battle he was posthumously declared as the Invincible (Aniketos) on the pedigree coins of his successor Agathocles. Demetrius I was possibly the founder of the Yavana (Greek) era, starting in 186–185 BC, as it was known for several centuries thereafter.The script and inscription in this artifact are a bit of a mystery but perhaps a scholar of ancient scripts might know precisely what it is called. It is very similar to Karoshthi ( an ancient Indian script used in Gandhara (now Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan) to write Gandhari Prakrit and Sanskrit. It was also used in Central Asia (Sogdia, Bactria, Kushan and along the Silk Road.) It had been.introduced at least by the middle of the 3rd century BCE, possibly during the 4th century BCE, and remained in use until it fell out of usage in its area of origin around the 3rd century CE.)). The back of the disc has a groove and roughing and planing suggesting it may have been a part of something else or maybe had another disc of stone attached there at one time. This seal is ~ 1-3/4" diameter x ~ 1/4" thickness. Remnants of wax remain in some of the carved depressions. NOTE: All dimensions approximate to the best of our ability in hand measure. As the item may be somewhat irregular, the largest dimensions are given. As shown in photos. AS-IS. No returns. Please see the pictures as visual description of this item. More pictures available as needed. Please note: For technical reasons beyond our control, the image you see on your screen may vary in color and/or shade/intensity slightly from the image we have posted and from the actual. We strive to edit the photos so they will appear as close to the real object as possible, however, in digital processing, it is not always possible to be exactly precise. All surface anomalies, inconsistencies of color and other non-uniform characteristics are inherent age-acquired qualities of antiques and are not interpreted as imperfections or damages. Thank you for your understanding. No returns unless GROSSLY not as described (i.e. received wrong item). Possible inaccuracies/differences of opinion in dating and/or cultural attributions do not constitute "grossly not as described". Archaeological and anthropological interpretations and opinions may vary widely amongst collectors & scholars. The information presented herein represents the studied opinion of the author of this post who is neither an expert nor claims any affiliation with any academic or archaeological/anthropological institutions and is for informational purposes only. It is in no way meant to supercede or supplant any published, non-published or transient interpretations or any other information which my be currently widely accepted as fact. Use your own judgement and knowledge in analysis of the item(s) presented here for purchase. In addition, all surface/cosmetic/structural anomalies, inconsistencies of color and other non-uniform characteristics which may be present, are inherent qualities of antiques and are not considered as imperfections or "not as described", regardless of whether or not they can be detected in listing photos or have been mentioned in the listing text. Item is being sold AS-IS. Shipped USPS 1st Class, Priority or Priority Express to Domestic US and Global Shipping Program to International. Shipping cost includes insurance. Yes! We combine multiple items for shipping discount where possible. Request total from seller at checkout from cart prior to payment to receive applicable combined shipping discount. Note: We will not cancel any orders whether paid or unpaid unless we cannot fulfill them for any unforeseen reason. Please be sure you want the item before purchasing or making an offer. Any offer made that we have accepted is binding and payment is expected for said item.
