People > Amyntas IV of Macedon

Amyntas IV of Macedon

Background

Amyntas IV, known in Greek as Ἀμύντας Δ΄ as a king of Macedon in 359 BCE and a member of the Argead Dynassty. He was born in 365 BCE as the son of Perdicass III of Macedon.

After his father’s death in 359 BC he became king, but he was only an infant. Philip II of Macedon, Perdiccas’ brother, became his tutor and regent. In that same year Philip declared himself king of Macedonia, expropriating his young nephew. Amyntas was not judged dangerous enough to be a menace to Philip, who even gave him his daughter Cynane in marriage. The succession of Amyntas’ cousin Alexander in 336 BC changed things — Alexander immediately had Amyntas executed. Eurydice II of Macedon was Amyntas’ daughter.

Amyntas IV of Macedon was a relatively obscure figure in the history of Macedon, known primarily due to his brief and somewhat contested role in the succession struggles of the Argead dynasty. Here's an overview of Amyntas IV, his context, and significance:

Historical Context

1. Argead Dynasty:

   • Amyntas IV was a member of the Argead dynasty, the ruling house of Macedon, which traced its lineage back to the legendary Heracles.
   • The dynasty included notable kings such as Amyntas III, Philip II, and Alexander the Great.

2. Father and Succession:

   • Amyntas IV was the son of Perdiccas III, who ruled Macedon from 365 BCE until his death in battle against the Illyrians in 359 BCE.
   • Following Perdiccas III's death, Amyntas IV was still a child and thus unable to immediately ascend to the throne.

Brief Reign and Deposition

1. Regency and Deposition:

   • After the death of Perdiccas III, Amyntas IV was nominally recognized as king. However, due to his young age, the actual governance was managed by regents.
   • Philip II, the brother of Perdiccas III and uncle to Amyntas IV, initially acted as regent. Recognizing the fragility of the kingdom under a child king, Philip seized power, effectively deposing Amyntas IV and assuming the throne himself in 359 BCE.

2. Philip II’s Ascendancy:

   • Philip II became one of the most significant rulers of Macedon, transforming it into a powerful and unified kingdom, setting the stage for the conquests of his son, Alexander the Great.
   • Despite being deposed, Amyntas IV was reportedly treated well by Philip II. Philip even married Amyntas IV to his daughter Cynane, ensuring Amyntas remained part of the royal family.

Legacy and Historical Significance

1. Survival and Later Life:

   • Amyntas IV lived through the reign of Philip II and into the early reign of Alexander the Great. While his exact role and activities during this period are not well-documented, he likely lived under the protection of the ruling family.
   • There are no substantial records of Amyntas IV attempting to reclaim the throne or engaging in significant political activities.

2. Alexander the Great:

   • Some historical accounts suggest that Alexander the Great, upon ascending to the throne after Philip II’s assassination in 336 BCE, perceived Amyntas IV as a potential rival due to his legitimate claim to the throne.
   • Alexander reportedly had Amyntas IV executed to eliminate any challenge to his rule. However, the specifics of this event are not well-documented and remain part of the broader historical narrative surrounding Alexander's consolidation of power.

Conclusion

Amyntas IV of Macedon represents a minor but intriguing figure in the history of the Argead dynasty. His brief and contested role as a child king, followed by his deposition by his powerful uncle Philip II, reflects the turbulent nature of succession and power struggles in ancient Macedon. Although overshadowed by the monumental achievements of Philip II and Alexander the Great, Amyntas IV’s story is a reminder of the often perilous position of royal heirs in the dynastic politics of the ancient world.

Sources

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