[1][2] Since the end of the 3rd or the beginning of the 2nd century BCE, Persis had been ruled by local dynasts subject to the Seleucid Empire.

[3] They held the ancient Persian title of frataraka ("leader, governor, forerunner"), which is also attested in the Achaemenid-era.

[4] The Achaemenid Empire, which had a century earlier ruled most of the Near East, originated from the region.

[4] The frataraka had traditionally been regarded as priestly dynasts or advocates of religious (and political) opposition to Hellenism, however, this is no longer considered the case.

In his coinage, Bagadates has his portrait on the obverse, wearing the satrapal headdress and the Hellenistic diadem.