Circa 400-380 BCE
Æ 2.76g, 13mm, 10h
Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion-skin headdress
Eagle standing to right, head reverted on thunderbolt; ΦIΛΩ to right.
Wartenberg, Philotas 1 (O1/R1).
Recently, this coin popped up from a person I was completely unaware of. Since he was so crucial to the history of Philip II and Alexander III, I prioritized acquiring it.
Although we don’t know the exact function Philotas himself played during Philip II‘s reign, he made a major impact through his two sons – both important generals in Philip‘s and Alexander‘s army.
Most well-known is his son Parmenion, who was the head general of Alexander‘s army. He often voiced caution during Alexander‘s progress through Asia, which per sources such as Arrian Alexander often disregarded.
Parmenion in turn had a son named Philotas, who was also an important general under Alexander. There are some indications that Philotas’ position may have been due to Parmenion’s support of Alexander as king after Philip was assassinated. Regardless, the relationship between Alexander and Philotas was often strained, and when it was revealed that Philotas had been aware of a plot to murder Alexander, and had never told him, Philotas was tortured and executed.
Aware that Parmenion would have a dim view of this move and was particularly dangerous with a large force in their rear, several assassins were directed to hurry to Parmenion and execute him, even though it was widely understood that he was innocent in the plot.
Going back to the Philotas above, he did have two other sons. They were demoted after the execution of Parmenion, but his son Asandros was a factor during the Wars of the Diadochi.