Antipater (c. 400 BC – 319 BC) was a pivotal figure in ancient Macedonian history, serving as a general, regent, and statesman under Philip II and Alexander the Great. As a cornerstone of Macedon’s political and military structure, Antipater played a crucial role in maintaining stability during one of history’s most tumultuous periods. Following the decline of the Argead dynasty, his legacy extended through his son, Cassander, who established himself as a ruler of Macedonia.
Antipater was a Macedonian general, regent, and statesman serving Philip II and Alexander the Great. Under Philip, he was a trusted advisor and regent of Macedon during campaigns.
Family Background and Early Career
Antipater was born into the Macedonian noble house of Iolaos around 399/8 BC in the city of Paliura. His family held deep ties to the Argead kings, potentially as distant collateral relatives. He was the son of a nobleman named Iolaos and had a brother named Cassander, among other family members.
Antipater had eleven children (four daughters and seven sons) from various unknown wives, including:
- Daughters: Phila, Eurydice, Nicaea, and one married to Alexander of Lyncestis.
- Sons: Cassander (later King of Macedon), Pleistarchus, Iollas, Philip, Nicanor, Alexarchus, and Perilaus.
Antipater’s early career likely began under King Perdiccas III, the predecessor of Philip II. By the time Philip assumed the throne in 359 BC, Antipater was already a prominent figure. According to ancient sources like the Suda, he was also a scholar, having studied under Aristotle.
Career Under Philip II of Macedon
Antipater became one of Philip II’s most trusted advisors alongside Parmenion, serving as a hetairos (companion) and regent during Philip’s campaigns. His role in governing Macedon during Philip’s absence allowed him to solidify his position as a reliable statesman.
Antipater’s career under Philip included:
- Campaigning against Thracian tribes to secure Macedon’s northern borders.
- Acting as Philip’s representative at the Amphictyonic League and the Pythian Games.
- Negotiating peace with Athens after the Battle of Chaeronea in 338 BC, which secured Macedonian dominance in Greece.
Career Under Alexander the Great
When Alexander launched his campaign against Persia in 334 BC, Antipater was appointed regent of Macedon and strategos of Europe. His responsibilities included maintaining control over Greece and managing domestic affairs.
For Alexander, Antipater acted as regent and “strategos of Europe,” managing Macedonian and Greek affairs during Alexander’s Persian campaign.
Antipater faced multiple threats during Alexander’s absence:
- Thracian Rebellion: Rebellions in Thrace tested his ability to maintain stability.
- Spartan Uprising: King Agis III of Sparta led a revolt funded by Persia, culminating in the Battle of Megalopolis in 331 BC. Antipater defeated the Spartans but suffered significant losses.
Role in Alexander’s Final Years
Antipater’s relationship with Alexander soured in the latter’s final years due to tensions with Queen Olympias. Alexander’s decision to recall Antipater in 324 BC reflected this discord. However, Alexander’s sudden death in 323 BC prevented the transition of power.
Some ancient historians accused Antipater of poisoning Alexander, but modern scholars largely dismiss these claims, attributing Alexander’s death to natural causes.
The Lamian War (323–322 BC)
Following Alexander’s death, Greek states, led by Athens, launched the Lamian War in an attempt to regain autonomy. Antipater’s forces, significantly outnumbered, initially suffered defeats and were besieged at Lamia.
With reinforcements from Leonnatus and Craterus, Antipater broke the siege and decisively defeated the Greek coalition at the Battle of Crannon in 322 BC. This victory ended the Greek revolt and reasserted Macedonian dominance.
The Diadochi Wars and Regency
Antipater allied with Ptolemy and Antigonus against Perdiccas in the First War of the Diadochi. After Perdiccas’ assassination in 321 BC, Antipater emerged as the regent of Alexander’s empire during the Partition of Triparadisus.
Death and Succession
Antipater died of old age in 319 BC, leaving Polyperchon as his successor rather than his son, Cassander. This decision led to the Second War of the Diadochi, with Cassander ultimately seizing control of Macedonia.
Legacy
Antipater is remembered as a loyal servant of Macedon who prioritized stability over personal ambition. His governance preserved Macedon’s integrity during periods of upheaval.
Antipater’s death marked the decline of centralized authority in Alexander’s empire, paving the way for the fragmentation of his territories and the rise of the Hellenistic kingdoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Antipater’s key contributions to Macedonian stability during Alexander’s campaigns?
Antipater crushed revolts like Agis III of Sparta’s rebellion, managed Greek politics, and defended Macedonian interests. He secured Alexander’s succession after Philip’s death and provided reinforcements to Alexander during the Persian wars.
How did Antipater handle the Lamian War?
Defeated initially, Antipater was besieged at Lamia but escaped with the help of Leonnatus. He later regrouped with Craterus and decisively defeated the Greek coalition at the Battle of Crannon in 322 BC, restoring Macedonian dominance in Greece.
What role did Antipater play in the Wars of the Diadochi?
Antipater joined Ptolemy and Antigonus to overthrow Perdiccas during the First War of the Diadochi. After Perdiccas’ death, he became regent of Alexander’s empire at the Partition of Triparadisus in 321 BC, managing the empire’s affairs until his death.
Why did Antipater’s death spark the Second War of the Diadochi?
Antipater controversially chose Polyperchon as his successor instead of his son Cassander, leading to a power struggle. Cassander, with Antigonus’ support, fought Polyperchon, eventually securing control over Macedonia.
What was Antipater’s relationship with Olympias and Alexander?
Initially close to Alexander and Olympias, relations soured later. Olympias opposed his policies, and Antipater’s control in Greece contrasted with Alexander’s more centralizing ambitions, leading to tensions.
What is Antipater’s historical legacy?
Antipater is remembered as a loyal steward of Macedonian interests, prioritizing stability over personal ambition. However, his succession decision weakened central authority and contributed to the empire’s fragmentation.
How did Antipater’s family influence later Macedonian politics?
His son Cassander became king, founding the Antipatrid dynasty. His daughters, like Phila and Eurydice, made strategic marriages that tied the family to prominent Hellenistic rulers, influencing the region’s political landscape.
