In the name and types of Alexander III.
Amphipolis, circa 323-317 BCE
Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left, holding eagle and sceptre; Phrygian cap before, BAΣIΛEΩΣ to left, ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to right. Price 112; Troxell, Studies, Issue H2, 61; Müller 854. 17.06g, 26mm, 3h.
Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung
Antipater was one of a handful of individuals to die peacefully during the Era of the Diadochi, although he cheated in a way, since he only lived four years after the death of Alexander.
When Alexander left with his friends to go play with Darius III in Asia, he left Antipater in charge of Macedon. Antipater was of his father Philip II‘s generation, and was your typical no-nonsense Macedonian general.
From all accounts, he accomplished his task well. When Sparta revolted in Alexander‘s absence, Antipater met and defeated them, though Alexander is reputed to have mocked the encounter by saying “It seems, my friends, that while we have been conquering Darius here, there has been a battle of mice in Arcadia.”
There is some evidence that at the end of his life, Alexander was displeased with Antipater. He ordered Krateros to take his place, but died before this could occur. Antipater then had bigger problems to deal with in the Lamian War with Athens. He was nearly defeated and besieged, until Leonnatos and later Krateros arrived to assist.
Interestingly, when Antipater died, he bequeathed the regency not to his son Kassander, but to the elder Polyperchon. There’s some thought he felt his son was too impetuous, though Kassander managed to seize it anyway, and after more than a few escapades Polyperchon agreed to a position as general in Kassander‘s army.
Still, Antipater lived to an age of 81, which was impressive at the time. Lysimachos and Antigonos survived to similar ages, though both were killed in battle.
His family would go on to seed the kings and queens of the dynasties that ruled over what had been Alexander the Great‘s kingdom. His daughter Phila married Balakros, then Krateros, and finally Demetrios. Her husbands had the knack for getting killed, and when Demetrios perished she committed suicide.
His daughter Eurydike (yes, another one) married Ptolemy, while another daughter Nikaea married Perdikkas and then Lysimachos. Sons Pleistarchos and Philip were generals under Kassander, while Alexarchos was a wacko who created his own religion and language in a utopian city.
Estimated birth of Antipater.
Estimated birth of Alexarchos, son of Antipater.
Antipater is selected by Philip II to govern Macedonia while he is on campaign.
Alexander the Great departs for Persia and leaves Antipater as regent of Macedonia.
Andros receives a Macedonian garrison from Antipater.
Antipater deals with a rebellion in Thrace under Memnon of Thrace.
King Agis III of Sparta revolts from Macedonia and besieges Megalopolis, forcing Antipater to act.
April
Antipater defeats the Spartans under Agis III at Megalopolis. The Macedonians take many casualties, but Agis is killed.
Alexander the Great orders Krateros to replace Antipater as regent of Macedonia.
Antipater barricaded in Herakleia Trachineia by Athens during the Lamian War.
Dionysios of Herakleia Pontika marries Amastris, after her first husband Krateros divorces her to marry Phila, the daughter of Antipater.
Antipater forced to retreat to Lamia and is there besieged.
Antipater and Krateros defeat Athens and the Aetolian League at the Battle of Krannon.
Adea Eurydike nearly turns troops against Antigonos I Monophthalmos and Antipater at the Treaty of Triparidisos and take control over Alexander’s empire, but is eventually subdued by Antipater.
Antigonos Monophthalmos with Demetrios Poliorketes and Antipater forge an alliance.
Antipater, Kassander, and Krateros cross into Asia with a large force.
Antipater brings Roxana, Alexander IV, and Philip III with Adea Eurydike to Macedon.
Antipater returns to Macedonia.
Antipater dies with Kassander at his side, but chooses Polyperchon as the new regent instead.