Craterus: Macedonian general under Alexander the Great
Craterus was a prominent Macedonian general who served under Alexander the Great. Renowned for his unwavering loyalty, he played a significant role in Alexander’s campaigns and later became one of the Diadochi—the successors who divided Alexander’s empire after his death.
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Early Life and Background
Craterus was born around 370 BC into a noble Macedonian family from Orestis. His father, Alexander, was a respected figure in Macedonian society, and Craterus’ brother, Amphoterus, served as an admiral in the Macedonian navy. The family’s prominence afforded Craterus opportunities to rise within the military ranks of the Macedonian empire.
A mosaic depicting Alexander and Craterus during a lion hunt.
Role in the Battle of Issus (333 BC)
Craterus first distinguished himself in the Battle of Issus, where Alexander’s forces confronted the Persian king Darius III. Craterus commanded the phalanx and infantry on the left wing of Alexander’s army, playing a pivotal role in the Macedonian victory. His tactical expertise and disciplined leadership were instrumental in the success of this battle, which marked a turning point in Alexander’s campaign against Persia.
Alexander fighting Darius at the Battle of Issus, displayed in the Naples Archaeological Museum.
Independent Command in Hyrcania
During the campaign in Hyrcania, Craterus was entrusted with his first independent mission against the Tapurians. This assignment demonstrated Alexander’s confidence in Craterus’ leadership abilities and showcased his capacity to lead troops autonomously.
Battle of the Hydaspes (326 BC)
At the Battle of the Hydaspes, fought near the modern-day Jhelum River, Craterus commanded the rearguard of Alexander’s army. While Alexander led the main attack, Craterus remained on the western bank of the river with his forces, crossing only in the final stages to consolidate the Macedonian victory. This role highlighted his adaptability and strategic importance within Alexander’s campaigns.
Marriage and Political Responsibilities
In 324 BC, during the grand festivities at Susa, Craterus married Princess Amastris, the daughter of Oxyathres, who was the brother of the defeated Persian king Darius III. This marriage symbolized the fusion of Macedonian and Persian elites, a policy actively pursued by Alexander to unify his vast empire.
From his early victories at Issus and Hydaspes to his leadership during the Lamian War, Craterus demonstrated unwavering dedication to Alexander and his legacy.
Later that year, Craterus was tasked with leading 11,500 veteran soldiers back to Macedonia. Alongside Polyperchon, he was ordered to replace Antipater, who was to join Alexander’s eastern campaigns. However, logistical challenges, including a shortage of ships, delayed his journey, and he remained in Cilicia to oversee the construction of a fleet.
Alexander’s Death and the Aftermath
Alexander’s unexpected death in Babylon in 323 BC disrupted Craterus’ plans. At the time, he was stationed in Cilicia with approximately 10,000 veterans. Alexander’s death led to significant political instability, and Craterus was thrust into the power struggles among the Diadochi.
Craterus eventually crossed into Europe when Antipater sought his assistance in the Lamian War, a conflict against Greek city-states rebelling against Macedonian rule. Despite his significant contributions, Craterus deferred to Antipater’s leadership, underscoring his loyalty to the established Macedonian hierarchy.
Statue of Alexander located in the city of Thessaloniki, Greece.
Battle of Crannon and Alliance with Antipater
In August 322 BC, Craterus played a critical role in the Battle of Crannon, which marked the end of the Lamian War. The Macedonians, under the joint leadership of Antipater and Craterus, decisively defeated the Greek forces, reasserting Macedonian dominance over Greece.
Craterus (or Krateros, Greek: Κρατερός; c. 370 BC – 321 BC) was a loyal and capable general whose contributions were critical to Alexander the Great’s military successes and the subsequent stabilization of the Macedonian Empire.
Following this victory, Craterus solidified his alliance with Antipater by marrying his daughter, Phila. This marriage not only strengthened their political bond but also produced a son, who was named Craterus after his father.
Conflict with Eumenes and Death
When Antigonus, another of Alexander’s generals, rebelled against the regent Perdiccas and Eumenes, Craterus joined forces with Antipater and Ptolemy. In 321 BC, he faced Eumenes in a decisive battle in Asia Minor. During this engagement, Craterus met his end when his horse fell, fatally injuring him. His death marked the conclusion of a distinguished career and removed a key player from the complex power struggles of the Diadochi.
Rivalry between Eumenes and Antigonus, Alexander the Great’s generals
Legacy
Craterus was one of the most prominent figures in the turbulent years following Alexander’s death. His loyalty to the royal family and his contributions to consolidating Macedonian power ensured his place in history as a steadfast supporter of Alexander’s vision.
Through his marriages to Amastris and later Phila, Craterus embodied Alexander’s policy of integrating Macedonian and Persian elites. These unions also reinforced his political alliances, particularly with Antipater’s family.
Cultural Representation
Craterus’ legacy extends beyond historical records into popular culture, where he is portrayed as a loyal and courageous general.
He appears as a minor character in Roxana Romance by A.J. Cave and as “Krateros” in Mary Renault’s novels The Persian Boy and Fire From Heaven. These works offer fictionalized accounts of his role in Alexander’s campaigns, providing readers with imaginative interpretations of his life.
Did you know…?
In the 2004 film Alexander, directed by Oliver Stone, Craterus is portrayed by British actor Rory McCann. The movie presents him as one of Alexander’s trusted generals, highlighting his contributions to the Macedonian conquests.
Why did Alexander the Great’s successors fight over his body?
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Craterus’ family background?
He was the son of a Macedonian nobleman, Alexander of Orestis, and brother to admiral Amphoterus.
What was Craterus’ role in Alexander’s military campaigns?
He commanded the phalanx and infantry on the left wing at the Battle of Issus (333 BC), led an independent mission against the Tapurians in Hyrcania, and commanded the rearguard at the Battle of the Hydaspes (326 BC).
Who did Craterus marry?
Craterus married Amastris, daughter of Oxyathres (Darius III’s brother), during the Susa festivities in 324 BC. Later, he married Phila, daughter of Antipater.
What happened to Craterus after Alexander’s death?
After Alexander’s death in 323 BC, Craterus stayed in Cilicia, organizing a fleet. He later joined Antipater in the Lamian War, leading troops at the Battle of Crannon (322 BC).
How did Craterus die?
Craterus died in 321 BC near the Hellespont during a battle against Eumenes when his horse fell on him.
What was Craterus’ political role after Alexander?
He was appointed to lead 11,500 veterans back to Macedonia to replace Antipater but faced delays. He later allied with Antipater, Antigonus, and Ptolemy against Perdiccas and Eumenes.
