Polyperchon
Polyperchon (Greek: Πολυπέρχων) also spelled Polyperchōn, was a Macedonian general and one of the lesser-known Diadochi who struggled for power after the death of Alexander the Great. Born c. 390 B.C., he served as a veteran officer under both Philip II of Macedon and Alexander, later becoming Regent of Macedon during the early succession conflicts.
Early Life and Service
Polyperchon was a seasoned soldier long before Alexander’s campaigns. He fought in the wars of Philip II and later joined Alexander’s expedition into Asia, serving with distinction in several battles. After Alexander’s death in 323 B.C., Polyperchon aligned himself with Antipater, the powerful regent of Macedon.
Regency of Macedon
When Antipater died in 319 B.C., he unexpectedly appointed Polyperchon—not his own son Cassander—as Regent of Macedon and guardian of the kings Philip III Arrhidaeus and the young Alexander IV of Macedon.
This decision triggered a major conflict between Polyperchon and Cassander.
Conflict with Cassander
Cassander rejected Polyperchon’s authority and sought support from other Diadochi, including Antigonus I Monophthalmus and Ptolemy I Soter. Polyperchon attempted to strengthen his position by issuing decrees restoring democratic governments in Greek cities, hoping to win popular support against Cassander’s oligarchic allies.
Despite initial successes, Polyperchon’s influence declined as Cassander gained control over Macedon and Greece.
Later Years
Polyperchon eventually retreated to the Peloponnese, where he continued to hold limited power. He later supported Olympias in her attempt to protect the young Alexander IV, but after her defeat, Polyperchon’s political relevance faded.
He survived into old age, outliving many of the major Diadochi, but never regained significant authority.
Legacy
Polyperchon is remembered as:
- A loyal officer of Philip II and Alexander
- The appointed Regent of Macedon after Antipater
- A secondary but persistent figure in the Diadochi struggles
- An opponent of Cassander’s rise to power
Although he never controlled large territories, his actions influenced the early succession disputes that shaped the Hellenistic period.
See Also
- Diadochi
- Cassander
- Antipater
- Antigonus I Monophthalmus
- Ptolemy I Soter
- Alexander IV of Macedon
- Philip III Arrhidaeus
- Hellenistic period
Sources
- Cambridge Ancient History
- Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology