Aeropus I
King of Macedonia
Reignc. 563-533 BC
PredecessorPhilip I
SuccessorAlcetas
Spouseunknown
IssueAlcetas
DynastyArgead
FatherPhilip I
Motherunknown
ReligionAncient Greek religion

Aeropus I (Ancient Greek: Ἀέροπος, romanized: Aéropos) was king[a] of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedonia. He was a member of the Argead dynasty and son of Philip I.[3] By allowing thirty years for the span of an average generation from the beginning of Archelaus' reign in 413 BC, British historian Nicholas Hammond estimated that Aeropus ruled around 563 BC.[4]

Reign

At the start of Aeropus's reign, the Thracians and Illyrians were ravaging the country of Macedon, and had achieved a number of successful victories over the Macedonians. Eventually, despairing about their inability to achieve a victory over their enemies, and believing that they could only be victorious if they fought in the presence of their king, the army carried the infant Aeropus with them into battle. His presence stiffened the resistance of the soldiers, and they forced the Thracians and Illyrians to flee, eventually retreating entirely from Macedon.[5]

According to Plutarch, Aeropus constructed tables and lamp-stands in his spare time. [6]

No further details of his reign are recorded.

His wife's name is unknown.

References

Notes

  1. ^ While Greeks such as Demosthenes and Aristotle referred to them as such, there is no evidence that any Macedonian ruler prior to Alexander III used an official royal title (basileus).[1][2]

Citations

  1. ^ Errington, R.M. (1974). "Macedonian 'Royal Style' and Its Historical Significance". The Journal of Hellenic Studies. 94: 20 – via JSTOR.
  2. ^ King, Carol (2010). "Macedonian Kingship and Other Political Institutions". In Roisman, Joseph; Worthington, Ian (eds.). A Companion to Ancient Macedonia. Wiley-Blackwell. p. 375.
  3. ^ "Herodotus, The Histories, Book 8, chapter 139, section 1". www.perseus.tufts.edu. Retrieved 2023-02-28.
  4. ^ N.G.L., Hammond; Griffith, G.T. (1979). A History of Macedonia Volume II: 550-336 B.C. Oxford: Clarendon Press. p. 4.
  5. ^ Farr, Edward History of the Macedonians (Robert Carter & Brothers, New York, 1850), pg. 37
  6. ^ Plutarch. "Life of Demetrius".
Aeropus I of Macedon Argead dynasty Regnal titles Preceded byPhilip I King of Macedon c. 563 BC Succeeded byAlcetas
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