Perdiccas
Perdiccas (Greek: Περδίκκας, Perdikkas; c. 355 BC – 321/320 BC) was a general of Alexander the Great. He took part in the Macedonian campaign against the Achaemenid Empire, and, following Alexander's death in 323 BC, rose to become supreme commander of the imperial army, as well as regent for Alexander's half brother and intellectually disabled successor, Philip Arridaeus (Philip III).
Perdiccas | |
|---|---|
Περδίκκας | |
| Regent of Macedon | |
| In office 323 BC – 321/320 BC | |
| Monarch | Alexander IV |
| Preceded by | Alexander III (as King) |
| Succeeded by | Peithon and Arrhidaeus |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 355 BC |
| Died | 321/320 BC (aged 34–36) |
| Cause of death | Killed by his own soldiers |
| Occupation | General |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Macedonia |
| Years of service | 335 – 321/320 BC |
| Battles/wars | |
He was the first of the Diadochi who fought for control over Alexander's empire. In his attempts to establish a power base and stay in control of the empire, he managed to make enemies of critical generals in the Macedonian army—including Antipater, Craterus and Antigonus—who decided to revolt against the regent. In response to this formidable coalition and a provocation from another general, Ptolemy, Perdiccas invaded Egypt, but his soldiers revolted and killed him when the invasion foundered.