Partition of Babylon: What Happened
In 323 BC, immediately after the death of Alexander the Great, his leading generals met in Babylon to decide the future of his empire. There was no obvious successor. The cavalry commanders favored waiting for the child Roxana was carrying, while the infantry supported Alexander's half-brother Philip Arrhidaeus, and the dispute nearly turned violent. They reached a compromise. Philip Arrhidaeus and the baby, if it was a boy, would rule jointly as kings, while real power lay with the general Perdiccas as regent. The child was born a son and became Alexander IV. The generals then divided the empire's provinces among themselves as governors, or satraps. Ptolemy took Egypt, Antipater kept Macedon and Greece, Antigonus held central Anatolia, and Lysimachus received Thrace. The arrangement is known as the Partition of Babylon. In theory, the empire remained united under the two kings. In reality, the governors were ambitious commanders with armies of their own. The settlement quickly broke down, leading to the Wars of the Diadochi, which tore Alexander's empire apart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Partition of Babylon?
The Partition of Babylon was the agreement made by Alexander's generals in Babylon in 323 BC, immediately after his death, to divide the government of his empire.
Who ruled after Alexander the Great?
Alexander's half-brother Philip Arrhidaeus and his unborn son, later Alexander IV, were named joint kings, while the general Perdiccas held real power as regent.
How was Alexander's empire divided?
The generals became governors, or satraps, of different provinces. Ptolemy took Egypt, Antipater kept Macedon and Greece, Antigonus held central Anatolia and Lysimachus received Thrace.
Why did the Partition of Babylon fail?
The governors were ambitious commanders with their own armies. The arrangement quickly broke down as they began fighting each other for power.
What came after the Partition of Babylon?
The Wars of the Diadochi followed, a series of conflicts between Alexander's successors lasting about forty years, which tore his empire apart.
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