Diodorus on the death of Antipater
In the autumn of 319, Antipater died, the regent of the brother of Alexander the Great and his baby son Alexander. A year before, he had divided Alexander's empire: Ptolemy was recognized as the ruler of a virtually independent Egypt, Antigonus Monophthalmus was made supreme commander of the Macedonian forces in Asia, and Antipater was sole ruler of Macedonia proper. His death led to great changes among the Diadochi.
The historian Diodorus of Sicily describes the events (World History, 18.48.4-50.5). The translation was made by M.M. Austin.
The death of Antipater |
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[18.48.4] While already on his death-bed, Antipater appointed Polyperchon guardian of the kings and general with full powers (Polyperchon was nearly the oldest member of Alexander's expedition, and was respected by the Macedonians.) His son Cassander he appointed "chiliarch" and second in authority. |
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[18.48.5] The office and rank of chiliarch was first raised to fame and repute by the Persian kings, and afterwards under Alexander it achieved great power and prestige when he became an admirer of Persian customs. That is why Antipater, imitating the precedent, appointed his son Cassander chiliarch in spite of his youth. |
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