Wars of the Diadochi: What Happened
The Wars of the Diadochi, meaning the successors, were a series of conflicts fought between Alexander the Great's generals from 322 to 281 BC over control of his empire. After the Partition of Babylon, the regent Perdiccas tried to hold the empire together but was murdered by his own officers in 320 BC while invading Egypt. Over the next four decades, the leading generals, including Antigonus the One-Eyed, Ptolemy, Seleucus, Cassander and Lysimachus, fought, allied and betrayed each other in shifting coalitions across Greece, Egypt, Anatolia and Mesopotamia. Alexander's family was destroyed along the way. His mother Olympias, his half-brother Philip Arrhidaeus, his wife Roxana and his son Alexander IV were all killed. By 306 to 305 BC, the successors no longer pretended to serve Alexander's dynasty and declared themselves kings. The decisive Battle of Ipsus in 301 BC ended Antigonus's hope of reuniting the empire, and the Battle of Corupedium in 281 BC settled the final major contest. Three great kingdoms emerged: the Ptolemaic, the Seleucid and the Antigonid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the Wars of the Diadochi?
The Wars of the Diadochi were a series of conflicts from 322 to 281 BC between the generals of Alexander the Great, who fought for control of his empire after his death.
What does Diadochi mean?
Diadochi is a Greek word meaning successors. It refers to the generals and companions of Alexander the Great who fought over his empire.
Who were the main Diadochi?
The leading successors included Antigonus the One-Eyed, Ptolemy, Seleucus, Cassander, Lysimachus and Perdiccas, who shifted alliances and betrayed each other repeatedly.
What happened to Alexander's family?
Alexander's family was destroyed during the wars. His mother Olympias, half-brother Philip Arrhidaeus, wife Roxana and son Alexander IV were all killed.
What kingdoms came out of the Wars of the Diadochi?
Three great kingdoms emerged: the Ptolemaic Kingdom in Egypt, the Seleucid Empire in Asia and the Antigonid Kingdom in Macedon, along with smaller states such as Pergamon.
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