Wars of the Diadochi

Quick Facts: Who was Wars of the Diadochi?

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Wars of the Diadochi

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A series of conflicts among Alexander's generals over the succession to his vast empire.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Wars of the Diadochi (Ancient Greek: Πόλεμοι τῶν Διαδόχων, romanized: Pólemoi tōn Diadóchōn, lit. 'War of the Crown Princes') or Wars of Alexander's Successors of 322–272 BC were a series of conflicts fought between the generals of Alexander the Great, known as the Diadochi, over who would rule his empire following his death. The fighting started almost immediately after his death in 323 BC. The crucial battle of Ipsus fought in 301 BC, established Ptolemies and Seleucids as the two major dynasties of the Hellenistic world. The battle of Corupedium in 281 BC, left Seleucus I as the only living successor among the original Diadochi.

Career & Major Achievements

However, the struggle over Macedon and hegemony over Greece was concluded in favour of the Antigonids only in 272 BC with the death of Pyrrhus of Epirus. Alexander the Great died on June 10, 323 BC, leaving behind an empire that stretched from Macedon and the rest of Greece in Europe to the Indus valley in South Asia. The empire had no clear successor, with the Argead family at this point consisting of Alexander's mentally disabled half-brother Arrhidaeus, his unborn son Alexander IV, his reputed illegitimate son Heracles, his mother Olympias, his sister Cleopatra, and his half-sisters Thessalonike and Cynane. Alexander's death was the catalyst for the disagreements that ensued between his former generals resulting in a succession crisis. Two main factions formed after the death of Alexander.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The first of these was led by Meleager, who supported the candidacy of Alexander's half-brother, Arrhidaeus. The second was led by Perdiccas, the leading cavalry commander, who believed it would be best to wait until the birth of Alexander's unborn child by Roxana. Both parties agreed to a compromise, wherein Arrhidaeus would become king as Philip III and rule jointly with Roxana's child, providing it was a male heir. Perdiccas was designated as regent of the empire, with Meleager acting as his lieutenant. However, soon after, Perdiccas had Meleager and the other leaders who had opposed him murdered, and he assumed full control.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Wars of the Diadochi

True or False: “The battle of Ipsus in 301 BC established Ptolemies and Seleucids as the two major dynasties of the Hellenistic world.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): This pivotal battle marked a significant turning point, solidifying the power bases for these two successor kingdoms.

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