Lysimachus
355–281 BC
Lysimachus was a Macedonian General, who was one of Alexander's immediate bodyguards, and
distinguished himself during his campaigns in India. After Alexander's death he was appointed
to the government of Thrace, and held this region throughout several decades of warfare. His
territory bordered the barbarian region to the north, so much of his time was spent fighting
against the Odrysian King. Although he entered the alliances opposed to Antigonus, and
therefore, was able to hold onto his kingdom, and even expend his territory in further
partitions. Along with the other rulers, he declared himself king on the death of the
royal heirs in 305 B.C..
 |
| WAR OF THE DIODOCHI |
In 302
B.
C. when the second alliance between Cassander,
Ptolemy and Seleucus was made, Lysimachus, reinforced by troops from Cassander, entered Asia Minor,
where he met with little resistance. Seleucus joined him in 301,
and at the battle of Ipsus Antigonus was slain. His dominions were divided among the victors,
Lysimachus receiving the greater part of Asia Minor. After Issus, Demetrius, the son of
Antigonus held areas both on the Greek mainland, and in Asia Minor, but over the next
few years, Lysimachus seized his towns in Asia Minor, but in 294 concluded a
peace whereby Demetrius was recognized as ruler of Macedonia. He tried to expand his power
northward beyond the Danube, but was defeated by the native tribes.
Demetrius subsequently threatened Thrace, but had to retire in consequence of a rising in
Boeotia, and an attack from Pyrrhus of Epirus.
In 288 B.C. Lysimachus and Pyrrhus in turn invaded
Macedonia, and drove Demetrius out of the country. Pyrrhus was at first allowed to remain in
possession of Macedonia with the title of king, but in 285 he was expelled by Lysimachus. For
a very short period Lysimachus held all the territory from mainland Greece to Asia Minor.
However, due to palace intrique, he shortly lost it all. At the behest of his second
wife, he had his eldest son killed. But this caused rebellions throughout his territories,
and eventually the wife of the murdered son fled to Seleucus, and caused him to rise
against Lysimachus. At the battle of Corupedium he was killed, and his kingdom lost.
Key events during the life of Lysimachus:
| Year |
Event |
| 328 BC |
Campaigned with Alexander in India. |
| 323 BC |
On Death of Alexander, appointed Satrap of Thrace. |
| 315 BC |
Joined Cassander, Seleucus, and Ptolemy against Antigonus. |
| 302 BC |
After the Battle of Issus, Most of Asia Minor is added to his territory. |
| 294 BC |
Lysimachus cedes sovereignty of disputed territories in Greece to Demetrius. |
| 288 BC |
With Pyrrhus, drive Demetrius out of Mainland Greece. |
| 285 BC |
Expels Pyrrhus from Mainland Greece. |
| 280 BC |
Killed by Seleucus at the battle of Corupedium. |
Other Resources
| Contemporary |
Short Biography |
| Demetrius |
Son of Antigonus, active in the wars of the Diadochi. |
| Antigonus I |
Allied with Antipater and Ptolemy I in early Diadochi Wars. Won control of Asia Minor and Syria. |
| Cassander |
Son of Antipater. Wrestled control of Macedonia from Polyperchon. Enemy of Olympias. |
| Arnisoe |
Daughter of Ptolemy I. Second wife of Lysimachus. |
| Pyrrhus |
Renowned general, won victories in Macedon, Italy, and Greece, but failed to follow up wins. |
| Ptolemy I |
General of Alexander, founded Egyptian Dynasty that lasted for 300 years. |
| Seleucus |
Son of a general of Alexander. Founded Seleucid Dynasty, in Syria and Central Asia. |