Antipater

Antipater, a prominent Macedonian general and statesman, played a crucial role during the reigns of Philip II of Macedon and his illustrious son, Alexander the Great. His political career flourished as one of Philip II's most trusted Hetairoi, and he was instrumental in securing Alexander's ascent to the throne following Philip's death.

As Alexander embarked on his ambitious campaigns against the Persian Empire in three hundred thirty-six BC, Antipater remained in Macedon, serving as regent. During this time, he effectively managed Greek affairs and quelled revolts, notably defeating King Agis III of Sparta, thereby maintaining stability in the region.

After the untimely death of Alexander the Great in three hundred twenty-three BC, Antipater was reaffirmed as viceroy of Europe in the Partition of Babylon. His subsequent involvement in the Lamian War saw him initially defeated in three hundred twenty-two BC, but he managed to escape and later secured victory against the Greeks at the Battle of Crannon with the assistance of allies like Leonnatus and Craterus.

In the wake of Perdiccas' ambitions, Antipater allied with Ptolemy and Antigonus to overthrow him during the First War of the Diadochi. Following Perdiccas' demise in three hundred twenty-one or three hundred twenty BC, Antipater was elected regent of Alexander's vast empire at the Partition of Triparadisus. He returned the kings Philip III Arrhidaeus and Alexander IV to Macedon but passed away shortly thereafter in three hundred nineteen BC.

On his deathbed, Antipater made a pivotal decision by naming Polyperchon as his successor instead of his own son, Cassander. This choice set the stage for the Second War of the Diadochi, which ultimately led to Cassander's rise to power and the establishment of the short-lived Antipatrid Dynasty.