Alexander (Tyrant, 369-359 BCE
Æ Chalkous 13mm, 2.43g, 12h
Forepart of bull butting r.
R/ Forepart of horse r.
BCD Thessaly II 708.2; HGC 4, 584
I’ve considered for some time whether Alexander of Pherai belonged in this collection of Philip II, Alexander III, and the Age of the Diadochi. For some time, I excluded him because he didn’t really interact with Philip II. There was an overlap of only two or three years when they both ruled, since Philip II became king in 359 BCE and Alexander died in 356 BCE.
Nevertheless, he must have affected Philip in some way. In roughly 367 BCE, the Theban general Epaminondas led an expedition against Alexander. It’s believed that Philip was very close to Epaminondas and even took many of his army reforms from him. Therefore, it seems likely that Philip was imtimately aware of this campaign and may have even take part in it.
Alexander also faced off with Philip’s brother, Alexander II, who came to the aid of several Thessalian cities, notably the staunch Macedonian ally of Larissa, when they refused to submit to Alexander of Pherai. Again, it seems likely that Philip took part in that effort.
Since it’s believed that Philip III Arrhidaios was born in 359 BCE, and his mother was Philinna of Larissa, then Philip’s marriage to her may have been a strengthening of the bond between Larissa and Macedon against Alexander.
Alexander, of course, wasn’t the greatest of guys. He was known for his cruelty and massacres, particularly of many of the citizens of Skotussa. Nevertheless, he was certainly a player in this story.