Pixodarus

[smittysmitty]

Why would Philip entertain the idea of marrying his son Arhidaeus to the Carian ruler's daughter?What was the value in an Asiatic in-law?Were there no better options available?Why would Pixodarus want his daughter marrying into the Argead household?etc.

[marcus]

I'm too tired to give a proper answer, but I would direct you to JR Ellis, "Philip II and MAcedonian Imperialism", which, if I recall correctly, gives a very good summary of the merits of the deal ... it all made perfect sense to me at the time, anyway.This isn't a good time for me to be using too many brain cells, so I shall leave you with that tantalising, but not very helpful, recommendation. :-)ATBMarcus

[dean]

Hello,I must admit that I find this story quite interesting especially Alexander's response- using Thetallos- and nearly getting him the chop in the process. I suppose that it would be a good reason to believe that Olympias was manipulating(not that Alexander was blind by any means).Reasons for the marriage- well I guess that Pixodarus would have been a nice ally- in Philip's planned eastern campaign.I suppose that it was a similar case with Barsine and Alexander- having a Asiatic wife certainly was not frowned on. Would like to go on but must fly!!!
Cheers,
Dean.

[rjones2818]

SmittySmitty and all,It's actually quite interesting to make some conjectures on. From what I've read, there's no hard evidence as to what Philip was planning and why Alexander foiled the negotiations.Here's an idea:Philip marries Arrhidaeus off to cement his ties to Persia.Here's how it might go: Philip manages the marriage and still goes to 'liberate' Greek Asia Minor. Darius (in secret accord with Philip before the invasion) concludes a treaty of peace with Philip via marriage of Alexander to one of his lesser princesses. Doing this would achieve Philip's aim for the domination of the greek world and allow for an alliance with Persia. Persia would possibly confer a title of satrap of Greece to Philip. The alliance would be cemented by the marriage of Alexander.Alexander doesn't like this when he finds out about it and deliberatly tries to scuttle the plans, believing that his father is selling out to the Great King.As far as I know there's no positive evidence for anything like this, but it might explain Philip's reaction.Rex