People > Coenus of Macedon

Coenus of Macedon

Background

Coenus or Koinos (Greek: Κοῖνος) was traditionally considered the second king of the ancient kingdom of Macedon, following Caranus, the founder of the Argead dynasty. His reign and the story surrounding his name reflect the early, semi-legendary period of Macedonian history, where myth and history often intertwine.

Background and Ascension

• Successor to Caranus: Coenus succeeded Caranus, the first king and the founder of the Argead dynasty in Macedon. Caranus is traditionally considered the unifier and first ruler of the Macedonian kingdom.
• Legend of His Name: The Macedonian historian Marsyas of Pella recounts an aetiological (origin) story about how Coenus received his name:
  • Story: According to Marsyas, a man named Knopis from Colchis lived at the court of Caranus. When a male child was born to the royal family, there was a dispute over his name. Caranus wanted to name the child after his own father, Kiraron or Kararon, while the mother preferred her father's name. When Knopis was consulted, he suggested that the child be named "Koinos," meaning "common," as a compromise between the two conflicting desires.
  • Significance: This story illustrates the blending of familial and cultural influences in naming practices and the importance of compromise in resolving disputes within the royal family.

Reign and Historical Context

• Early Macedonian Kingdom: The period of Coenus's reign is part of the early, somewhat mythical history of the Macedonian kingdom. Specific historical details about his reign are sparse, and much of what is known is derived from later historical and legendary accounts.
• Role in Dynasty: As the second king, Coenus would have played a crucial role in consolidating the nascent kingdom established by Caranus. His leadership would have been essential in maintaining stability and continuity within the royal lineage.

Legacy and Historical Interpretation

• Dynastic Continuity: Coenus's position as the second king emphasizes the early establishment and continuity of the Argead dynasty, which would eventually lead to the rise of figures like Philip II and Alexander the Great.
• Myth and History: The story of his naming reflects the blend of myth and history characteristic of early Macedonian narratives. These legends serve to provide cultural and moral lessons, such as the importance of compromise and unity.
• Historical Sources: The accounts of Marsyas of Pella and other ancient historians contribute to the understanding of Macedonian history, despite the legendary nature of some stories. These sources are valuable for reconstructing the early history and traditions of Macedon.

Conclusion

Coenus or Koinos, the second king of Macedon, is an important figure in the semi-legendary history of the Macedonian kingdom. His story, particularly the tale of how he received his name, highlights the early cultural and familial dynamics within the royal court. While specific details of his reign are limited, Coenus's role in the early Argead dynasty underscores the foundational period of Macedonian history that set the stage for the kingdom's later expansion and prominence under leaders like Philip II and Alexander the Great. The blend of myth and history in accounts of his life provides insight into the cultural and historical context of early Macedon.

Sources

Kleine philologische Schriften: Zur griechischen Literatur By Friedrich Wilhelm Ritschl Page 454 (1866) Leipzig

The history of Alexander the Great by Charles Alexander Robinson Page 169 (1953)

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