Parmenio
410–330 BC
 |
| THE BATTLE OF ISSUS |
Parmenio was a Macedonian general in the service of Philip II and he was the chief general and
advisor to Alexander the Great. He was largely responsible for the planning and execution
of the Macedonian invasion of Persia.
During the reign of Philip Parmenio obtained a great victory over the Illyrians (356
B.
C.); he was one of
the Macedonian delegates appointed to conclude peace with Athens, and in 342
B.
C. was sent with an army to
uphold Macedonian influence in Euboea. Shortly after Alexander came to the throne he was assigned to make
preparations for the reduction of Asia. He led the left wing in the battles of the Granicus, Issus
and Gaugamela.
Only a few years after his great victory at Guagamela, Alexander was informed that Philotas, son of
Parmenio, was involved in a conspiracy against him. Philotas was condemned by the army and put
to death and Alexander, thinking it dangerous to allow the father to live, sent orders to Media for the
assassination of Parmenio. There was no proof that Parmenio was in any way implicated in the
conspiracy, but he was not even afforded the opportunity of defending himself.
—Adapted from the 1911 Encylopaedia Britannica.
Key events during the life of Parmenio:
| Year |
Event |
| 356 BC |
Under Philip II, won a great victory over the Illyrians. |
| 346 BC |
Ambassador to Athens after the Sacred War. |
| 336 BC |
Began preparations for invasion of Persia. |
| 334 BC |
Fought at Granicus. |
| 333 BC |
Fought at Issus |
| 331 BC |
Fought at Gaugamela. |
| 330 BC |
Assassinated by Alexander because his son was involved in a conspiracy. |
Other Resources
| Contemporary |
Short Biography |
| Philip of Macedonia |
Used statesmanship as well as military force to bring Greece under sway of Macedonia. |
| Alexander the Great |
Greatest general of ancient times. Conquered Persian Empire with 40,000 soldiers. |
| Philotas |
Son of Parmenio, who was implicated in a conspiracy against Alexander. |