Cassander
Cassander (Greek: Κάσσανδρος Kassandros; c. 355 BC – 297 BC) was king of the Ancient Greek kingdom of Macedonia from 305 BC until 297 BC, and de facto ruler of southern Greece from 317 BC until his death.
| Cassander | |
|---|---|
Stater of Cassander. The reverse depicts a lion and an inscription in Ancient Greek reading "ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΚΑΣΣΑΝΔΡΟΥ", [of] King Cassander. | |
| King of Macedonia | |
| Reign | 305 – 297 BC |
| Predecessor | Alexander IV |
| Successor | Philip IV |
| Born | 355 BC |
| Died | 297 BC (aged 58) Pella |
| Spouse | Thessalonike of Macedon |
| Issue | |
| House | Antipatrid dynasty |
| Father | Antipater |
| Religion | Ancient Greek Religion |
A son of Antipater and a contemporary of Alexander the Great, Cassander was one of the Diadochi who warred over Alexander's empire following the latter's death in 323 BC. Cassander later seized power by having Alexander's son and heir Alexander IV murdered. While governing Macedonia from 317 BC until 297 BC, Cassander focused on strengthening the northern borders and economic development, while founding or restoring several cities (including Thessalonica, Cassandreia, and Thebes); however, his ruthlessness in dealing with political enemies complicates assessments of his rule.