Pekuestas

[dean]

Hello,I was curious about this character in the Alexander story.As far as I know he was first official of the Hypapists(think I have spelt it wrong but anyway)
and later the carrier of the sacred shield- the one taken from Troy- which supposedly belonged to Achilles.Other than that he saved Alexander's life in the Indian town of Malia using the self-same shield to protect Alexander's body.He was made companion because of his heroism in saving Alexander's life and became the eighth which was very unusual because seven was the normal number.He was also responsible for raising Alexander`s Persian force named "the sucessors" and so was made satrap I believe- he was unusual because he took on Persian customs and dress and language very easily as opposed to the majority of the Macedonian officials or companions.Was wondering, after my little resume, if there was any other bit of info that maybe I had missed along the way about this important player.Best regards,
Dean.

[ruthaki]

You seem to have it covered though I'm sure someone will come up with lots more details. I see him as one of the more'sympathetic' characters among Alexander's Successors.

[agesilaos]

Peucestes was Satrap of Persia under Alexander and kept his satrapy in the share out after Alexander's death and after the Settlement of Triparadeisos in 321 brokered by Antipater. He sided with Eumenes against Antigonos in 317, bringing 10,000 Persian slingers and archers, 3,000 mixed phalangites, 600 Greek and Thracian cavalry and in excess of 400 Persian horse. Because of his rank under Alexander and the size of the army he brought he thought he deserved overall command but was outflanked By Eumenes establishing a council of generals rather than having one C-in-C.Peucestes bridled under this snub and contemplated leaving the army in the lurch when he was requested to supply the guard detail for the Tigris crossings, but made a volte-face on reckoning Antigonos more dangerous than the offence was irksome. Changing tack, the army having been ordered to Media to face Antigonos at the behest of Peucestes' Party he feted them through out the passage of Persia and wooed them with a magnificent festival honouring Alexander and Philip; his eye still on the C-in-C's post. Eumenes twarted this move with a fake letter bringing news of a non-existant victory in Europe for Olympias, he also moved against Sybyrtos a friend of Peucestes. Then changing tack Eumenes lavished praise upon him and he appeared won over.He fought at Gabiene but played the poltroon at Parateikene his flight and refusal to rejoin the battle consequently leading to the betrayl and death of Eumenes. Antigonos removed him from office and Persia where he remained popular.He seems to have re-gained Demetrios' favour after Ipsos but never played a major role again.

[dean]

Hi,Thanks Karl for the info- I have to be honest, it is all new to me and I appreciate the time you've taken to fill in some of the missing pieces.Best regards,
Dean.

[dean]

Hi,Thanks Karl for the info- I have to be honest, it is all new to me and I appreciate the time you've taken to fill in some of the missing pieces.Best regards,
Dean.

[ruthaki]

Interesting details, Karl. Thanks. At least he was one of the Generals who remained alive. Any idea how long he might have lived and whether he died in battle or of old age?

[marcus]

Hi Ruth,I don't know the answer to that off the top of my head, although I am pretty sure that he died a natural death.If you have, or have access to Heckel's "Marshals", it will definitely be in there.All the bestMarcus

[Linda]

I had a quick look at Marshals at lunchtime, and the only thing to be added to Karl's summary is that it is not known what happened to Peucestas, although he was reckoned to be at Demetrius Poliorcetes's court after Ipsus (301 BC).

[agesilaos]

I have to confess! I got the battles the wrong way round Parateikene came before Gabiene.

[ruthaki]

Whatever...I see Peukestas as one of the 'good guys' in the scheme of things and that's the way I have protrayed him in my novel.