Conclusion

The book concludes with reflections on the legacy of Demetrius the Besieger and the unique nature of Hellenistic kingship that he established and exemplified. A summary is provided of the final events of the so-called Diadoch era leading up to the deaths of Lysimachus in the battle of Corupedium in 281 BC, and Seleucus shortly after at the hands of Ptolemy Ceraunus. Demetrius’ standing among his rival Successors and his status as a fitting heir to the ambitions of Alexander the Great are examined. His reputation bestrode the first forty years of the Hellenistic age, and his deeds were pivotal in its formation. Whether he should be remembered in a negative, or in a positive light, his impact cannot be denied.

Demetrius’ Fortunes Unravel

The devastating failure in Macedonia sent reverberations throughout Demetrius Poliorcetes’ other possessions. The king suffered from multiple revolts and losses among his remaining territories, including unrest within the city of Athens, where the citizens again tried to take advantage of the situation and free their city from Macedonian rule. Demetrius, however, was able to overcome these setbacks, and made another alliance. This chapter gives an overview of these events as well as Demetrius’ quickly adapting strategy, and intentions to continue his campaign regardless of any setbacks. He embarked on his fleet to Asia Minor, intending to launch his great campaign, and began attacks on the territories of the other Successors.

King of the Macedonians

Following the regicide of Alexander, Demetrius Poliorcetes was accepted as the new king of Macedonia. This chapter discusses the political background which led to Demetrius’ claim being ratified. Although the Macedonians readily acclaimed him, it was not entirely a smooth transition of power, and Demetrius was forced to focus his attention on the consolidation of his new territory. The unrest and political situation gave rise to revolts in Boeotia. During these years, Demetrius made time for another marriage alliance with Lanassa, Agathocles of Syracuse’s daughter and the former wife of Pyrrhus of Epirus, which brought further valuable territories into his possession.

The Silent Years

This chapter offers a reconstruction of what might be referred to as ‘the Silent Years’, that is to say, 310–308 BC, where our ancient sources provide very little information about Demetrius Poliorcetes’ whereabouts and activities. Antigonus Monophthalmus himself campaigned unsuccessfully in Babylonia from 310 BC, and left Demetrius in charge of Antigonid possessions in Syria and Anatolia. During this time Ptolemy invaded Anatolia and, aided by the defection of Demetrius’ cousin Polemaeus, advanced as far as Greece. Demetrius’s reactions are only recorded in three brief source cameos, and cannot be pieced together with certainty, although this chapter is able to provide some discussion of what we can indeed know about these years.

The Acquisition of Macedonia

This chapter discusses the death of Cassander, who had been the king of Macedonia. This was followed very shortly by the death of his heir and eldest son Philip. The deaths of these two kings resulted in a succession crisis, and internal strife within the Antipatrid family. The two younger sons Alexander and Antipater struggled for the kingship, and Antipater killed his mother Thessalonice for supporting Alexander’s claim to the throne over his own. This all meant that Macedonia was left vulnerable and open to attack. Demetrius took advantage by marching on the kingdom, killing the young king Alexander, and usurping the kingship for himself.

Demetrius and Athens. Again

While Demetrius Poliorcetes was continuing to rebuild his kingdom and strengthen his power, other opportunities arose which he was able to manipulate to his advantage. Political trouble in Athens gave rise to a tyrant, Lachares, and the subsequent civil strife provided the perfect opportunity for the Besieger to take back Athens, which had rejected him after the defeat at the battle of Ipsus. This chapter discusses the tyranny of Lachares, including the chronological issues and epigraphic evidence crucial to an understanding of these events, and Demetrius’ strategy during this part of his reign, including his campaigns in the Peloponnese where he enjoyed some success and made a grab for more territory.

The Fruits of Victory

In this chapter, the outcome of the previous campaign is discussed in great detail. This was a decisive victory for the Antigonids, and in the aftermath of the victory at Salamis, Antigonus assumed the title of ‘King’ for himself and Demetrius, an action which the other dynasts copied within a few years. Demetrius also commenced his famous relationship with the courtesan Lamia, whom he had captured after the battle. In autumn of 306 BC the Antigonids attempted a massive invasion of Egypt by land and sea, but were thwarted by the weather conditions and Ptolemy’s clever defences at the Pelusiac branch of the Nile.

Demetrius in Athens

This chapter provides critical insight into the relationship between Demetrius Poliorcetes and the famous city of Athens. The Athenian reaction to their ‘liberation’ by the Antigonids was absolutely extraordinary, and, sponsored by Demetrius’ supporter Stratocles, many honours were voted to the Antigonids and their retainers in gratitude for the expulsion of Demetrius of Phalerum. These honours included such things as gold statues, crowns, citizenship, altars, and the titles soter (Saviour) and euergetes (Benefactor). The ancient author Plutarch suggests that these honours initiated a degradation of Demetrius’ character, suggesting that this proved to be something of a turning point for the young Demetrius.

The Antigonid ‘Liberation’ of Athens in 307 BC

This chapter discusses a number of events which were of critical importance to the Antigonids as they continued to build their empire. In 307 BC Antigonus Monophthalmus sent Demetrius Poliorcetes with a large force to make war on Cassander in Greece, using the catchcry of ‘Freedom of the Greeks’ to rally support for the Antigonid cause. Through some good luck, Demetrius was able to land in the Piraeus and evict Cassander’s agent, Demetrius of Phalerum. He then besieged Megara, but was nearly captured when he arranged a mysterious liaison with the famous widow Cratesipolis, though the timing of this event is controversial. This chapter provides an overview of these events and offers some assessment of the outcome of these activities.

Demetrius and Phila

The death of Alexander the Great brings a great deal of political upheaval to the empire, and Alexander’s generals are quick to react. After being threatened by Perdiccas, Antigonus Monophthalmus fled from Phrygia, and eventually forged an alliance with Antipater at the settlement of Triparadeisus in 321 or 320 BC. He cemented it by marrying the 15-year-old Demetrius to Antipater’s daughter Phila, who was aged around 35. She was the mother to Demetrius’ heir, Antigonus Gonatas. This unusual relationship was of great importance to Demetrius and the Antigonid family, and lasted until her suicide in 288. Their age difference caused much comment in the ancient world.