Diodorus on the death of Philip
Diodorus of Sicily: Greek historian, author of the Library of World History. His activities can be dated between 60 and 30 BCE.
In October 336, king Philip of Macedonia was killed in the theater of Aegae by Pausanias, one of his bodyguards. Although it was obvious that the assassin had a personal grudge, there are indications that other people were involved, or knew what was about to happen.
The Greek author Diodorus of Sicily, describes what happened in section 16.91.2-95.1 of his World History. The translation is by E.I. McQueen.
The death of Philip |
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[16.91.2] King Philip, once appointed as leader of the Greeks,note inaugurated the war against Persia by sending to Asia Attalus note and Parmenion, to whom he assigned part of his army with instructions to free the Greek cities. [...] |
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[16.91.4] He proceeded to perform sacrifices of the utmost magnificence to the gods and to celebrate the wedding of Cleopatra, his daughter by Olympias. For he gave her in marriage to Alexander, the king of the Epirots, who was a full brother of Olympias. |
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[16.91.5] Wishing as many Greeks as possible to participate in the festivities, he arranged as accompaniments to the ceremonies in honor of the gods musical competitions and sumptuous feasts for those bound to him by the ties of guest friendship. |
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[16.91.6] When he had accordingly invited his personal guest friends from all over Greece, he instructed his own friends to bring from abroad as many of their acquaintances as they could. For he was extremely keen to demonstrate his affability to the Greeks and to offer fitting hospitality in return for the honors bestowed on him when he was given the supreme command.note |
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