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Amyntas IIIMacedonian king who reigned from 392 to 369 BC.
Country:
 Macedonia |
Content:
- King Amyntas III: Ruler of Macedon
- Challenges and Allies
- Family and Conflict
- Medical Advisor and External Threats
- Diplomacy and Legacy
King Amyntas III: Ruler of Macedon
Reign and AccessionAmyntas III, born in the latter half of the 5th century BCE, ascended to the throne of Macedon in 392 BCE, inheriting the kingdom from his father, Arrhidaeus, a descendant of King Alexander I. Some historians speculate that Amyntas III may also be known as Amyntas II, due to an ambiguous numbering system among Macedonian rulers.
Challenges and Allies
Amyntas III's reign was marked by significant challenges. Ill-gotten gains by the Illyrians under Bardillis and pressure from the Olynthian League threatened his rule. Seeking refuge with the Thessalians, Amyntas drove out the usurper Argaeus after two years with their support. To secure his kingdom, he forged a dynastic alliance with Eurydice, granddaughter of the Lyncestian king Arrabaeus, a descendant of Corinthian exiles.
Family and Conflict
Eurydice bore Amyntas three sons, Alexander II, Perdiccas III, and Philip II, who would later become prominent rulers. Amyntas also had a wife named Gygaea, who gave birth to three more sons: Archelaus, Arrhidaeus, and Menelaus, who were executed by Philip II. Despite initial conflicts with his wife Eurydice, Amyntas allegedly spared her life for the sake of his children.
Medical Advisor and External Threats
The renowned physician Nicomachus, father of the philosopher Aristotle, served at Amyntas III's court. Facing another threat, Amyntas enlisted the support of Sparta against the Olynthian League, which had captured his capital, Pella. After three years of intermittent warfare, Olynthus was defeated.
Diplomacy and Legacy
In the latter years of his reign, Amyntas III sought diplomatic alliances with Athens and Thessalian tagus Jason to maintain his weakened kingdom. Breaking the cycle of violent deaths among Macedonian kings, Amyntas "died at an advanced age, transmitting his kingdom to the eldest of his sons, Alexander." His legacy included three sons who succeeded him on the throne, including the illustrious Philip II, who transformed Macedon into a formidable power.
