Origins & Early Life

Antigonus II Gonatas (Ancient Greek: Ἀντίγονος Γονατᾶς, Antígonos; c. 320 – 239 BC) was a Macedonian Greek ruler who solidified the position of the Antigonid dynasty in Macedon after a long period defined by anarchy and chaos and acquired fame for his victory over the Gauls who had invaded the Balkans. Antigonus Gonatas was born around 320 BC. The origin of the Hellenistic nickname Gonatas is unknown.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He was descended from the Diadochi (the successors of Alexander the Great) on both his father's and mother's side. His father was Demetrius Poliorcetes, himself the son of Antigonus I Monophthalmus, who then controlled much of Asia. His mother was Phila, the daughter of Antipater, who had controlled Macedonia and the rest of Greece since 334 BC and was recognized as regent of the empire, which in theory remained united. Cassander, Antipater's oldest son who would become King of Macedon in 305 BC, was his uncle. The year of Antigonus Gonatas' birth, however, Antipater died, leading to further struggles for territory and dominance.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The careers of Antigonus's grandfather Antigonus Monophthalmus and father showed great swings in fortune. After coming closer than anyone...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Antipater — Contemporary (Died in -319) (-319): Macedonian statesman and regent who served Philip II and Alexander the Great.
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• Pyrrhus of Epirus — Contemporary figure (Born in -318) (-318): Hellenistic King of Epirus, famed general who fought Rome and coined the term 'Pyrrhic victory'.
• Yang Zhu — Contemporary figure (Died in -318) (-318): Founder of Yangist philosophy, an early ethical egoist during China's Warring States period.
• Eurydice II of Macedon — Contemporary figure (Died in -317) (-317): Macedonian queen consort, wife of Philip III, and daughter of Amyntas IV.
• Aristotle — Contemporary figure (Died in -322) (-322): Founding father of the Peripatetic school, whose works spanned science and philosophy.
• Demosthenes — Contemporary figure (Died in -322) (-322): Master orator of ancient Athens, whose speeches shaped 4th-century Greek politics.
• Eumenes — Contemporary figure (Died in -316) (-316): A prominent Greek general and loyalist to the Argead dynasty after Alexander's death.
• Olympias — Contemporary figure (Died in -316) (-316): Influential ancient Greek princess, mother of Alexander the Great and de facto leader of Macedon.
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