Pella, circa 393-369 BCE
AR Triobol 1.71g, 13mm, 4h
Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress
Eagle standing to left, head to right; AMY-N-TA around; all within linear border within incuse square.
Westermark, Remarks pl. LXX, 33; SNG Alpha Bank 200-2; SNG ANS 94; HGC 3.1, 830 (‘hemidrachm’).
Ex J. Greiff Collection
Ex Roma
Amyntas was the father of Philip II, and though he didn’t create a vast empire, he left his sons with a kingdom that was in considerably better shape than the one he inherited.
When he took power in 393 BCE, he was initially driven out by Illryians. With the help of Thessalians, notably the Argeadae family from Larissa, he defeated the Illyrians and retrieved his kingdom. This friendship with the Argeadae would continue with his son Philip II, who married his wife Philinna from the same family. She would become the mother of Philip III.
Since he still wasn’t safe from the Illyrians, Amyntas formed an alliance with Olynthos by promising them the timber from Macedonia, which Olynthos in turn sold to Athens for a nice profit. Amyntas continued to create alliances.
The next one was with the Odrysian Kotys I. Unfortunately, Kotys had already married his only daughter to an Athenian general, so Amyntas adopted Kotys’ son-in-law, the Athenian general Iphikrates, as his son.
Meanwhile, the power of Olynthos increased, and soon Amyntas realized they were his biggest threat. To counter them, he formed an alliance with Sparta and together they defeated and destroyed Olynthos.
Other alliances Amyntas signed were with Jason of Pherae and he kept friendly with Athens by supporting their claims to Amphipolis.
When Amyntas died in 370 BCE, the position of Macedonia was tenuous, but it was still better than what he had received. Alexander II became king afterwards, followed by his next son Perdikkas III and finally Philip II.
Amyntas III of Macedon transfers territory to Olynthos of the Chalkidian League.
Amyntas III takes power after assassinating the previous king, Pausanias.
Amyntas III driven out of Macedon by Illyrians.
Amyntas III recovers Macedon with the help of Thessaly and particularly Larissa.
Alexander II is born, likely as the eldest son of King Amyntas III of Macedon and Queen Eurydice I.
Amyntas III appeals to the Spartans against the Chalkidian League. Akanthos, Argilos, and Stageira also claim that membership was forced upon them. Potidaia is separated from the League.
The Spartans and Macedonians under Amyntas III destroy Olynthos after two initial defeats.
Amyntas III supports Athens‘ claim over Amphipolis.
Amyntas III dies. Alexander II ascends to the throne as King of Macedon.