c. 406 BCEMacedonia and Athens
about 2,430.9 years ago
A region in this history (Pleiades 491656). 3 posts and events, oldest first.
, Macedonia and Athens
Athens loses two of its three great tragic poets within about a year: Euripides, traditionally said to have died in Macedonia, and Sophocles in Athens.
Background: Euripides, Wikipedia (opens en.wikipedia.org)Background: Sophocles, Wikipedia (opens en.wikipedia.org)
What was going on: As Plutarch tells it, centuries later, the boy Alexander once hosted envoys from the Persian king while his father Philip was away, quizzing them about roads and the Persian army. Plutarch says he wanted excellence and fame, not wealth or pleasure.
Why it matters: Alexander's relationship with his father forged his competitive side; he worried Philip would leave him no great or brilliant achievement to show the world.
Every time his father took a city or won a battle, he told his friends: Dad will do everything first and leave nothing great for me.
…as often as tidings were brought that Philip had either taken a famous city or been victorious in some celebrated battle, Alexander was not very glad to hear them, but would say to his comrades: Boys, my father will anticipate everything; and for me he will leave no great or brilliant achievement to be displayed to the world with your aid.
, Macedon
After Philip II is killed, his son Alexander takes the throne at twenty, with neighbours and Greek cities restless.
Thus it was that at the age of twenty years Alexander received the kingdom, which was exposed to great jealousies, dire hatreds, and dangers on every hand.
Background: Alexander the Great, Wikipedia (opens en.wikipedia.org)
