Macedonian empire, Philip III Arrhidaeus
323-317 BC
AR Drachm
Sardes mint
Head of Herakles right, in lionskin
Zeus seated left, holding scepter and eagle, ΦIΛIΠΠOY behind, Bee in left field, AΘ monogram beneath chair
Price P104
Born in 359 BC, Philip III was Alexander the Great's elder half brother by Philip II and Philinna. Three years later, Philip II's other wide Olympias gave birth to Alexander the freat. Early in his life, it became clear that Arrhidaeus suffered from a mild to moderate mental handicap, although even contemporary historians suspected that Olympias may have poisoned him. As Alexander grew to become the favorite child and heir apparent, Philip III fell from the spotlight and is scarcely mentioned in the histories of Alexander. Rather than disposing of his possible rival, Alexander seems to have loved his half brother, or at least took pity on him. Philip III was kept by Alexander's side so that he would not fall to any plots against the royal household.
When Alexander died in 323 BC, the leaders of the army set Philip III as a puppet ruler until the future Alexander IV was born. He was married to his own niece, Eurydice, who tried to manipulate him against the wills of the Diadochi, whose rivalries erupted into two wars during Philip's reign. Ultimately, Philip and his wife were sent to Macedon, where they were arrested and executed by Alexander's mother, Olympias in December 317 BC.
Here is a coin of the same type, seemingly from the same dies, although at an earlier die state:
https://www.cNGCoins.com/Coin.aspx?CoinID=250670I am fascinated by the depiction of Zeus - It appears that the mint workers attempted to re-engrave a worn die, which gives the appearance of a sickly and emaciated god, as Alexander's empire rapidly crumbled.
Posted 08/02/2018 1:41 pm
