Philip III

Philip III Arrhidaeus was born as the son of King Philip II of Macedon and his third wife, Philinna of Larissa.

Philip III began his formal education, receiving training in military and leadership skills typical for Macedonian nobility.

Philip III, despite his mental limitations, accompanied his father, Philip II, on military campaigns to gain experience.

Philip III succeeded his half-brother Alexander the Great as King of Macedon, though he was a figurehead due to his mental limitations.

Philip III married Eurydice II, a Macedonian noblewoman, to solidify his position and lineage within the royal family.

Although primarily a figurehead, Philip III was present when Alexander the Great founded Alexandria in Egypt, a significant milestone in Hellenistic history.

Philip III continued to accompany Alexander the Great on his conquests, despite not having an active role in military decisions.

Philip III, though a figurehead, was used by Alexander to maintain unity and continuity within the Macedonian Empire.

Upon Alexander's death, Philip III's role as a figurehead became more pronounced, with generals vying for power and control.

Philip III was made co-ruler with the infant Alexander IV, Alexander the Great's son, under the regency of Perdiccas.

The regent Perdiccas was assassinated, leading to a power struggle among the Diadochi, the successors of Alexander the Great.

Polyperchon, a Macedonian general, became the new regent, continuing to use Philip III as a figurehead for legitimacy.

Olympias, Alexander the Great's mother, regained power and became regent, further diminishing Philip III's influence.

Philip III and his wife Eurydice II were executed on the orders of Olympias, who saw them as threats to her power and the young Alexander IV.