Amyntas III of Macedon facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Amyntas III
A silver stater coin of Amyntas III
King of Macedonia
First reign	393/2 – 388/7
Predecessor	Pausanias
Successor	Argaeus II
Second reign	387/6 – 370
Predecessor	Argaeus II
Successor	Alexander II
Born	?
Died	370 BC
Wives	Eurydice I Gygaea
Issue	Alexander II Perdiccas III Philip II Eurynoe (wife of Ptolemy of Aloros) Archelaus Arrhidaeus Menelaus Iphicrates (adopted)
Father	Arrhidaeus, son of Amyntas
Mother	unknown
Religion	Ancient Greek religion

Amyntas III (Ancient Greek: Ἀμύντας) was a powerful king of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedonia. He ruled two times: first from 393/2 BC to 388/7 BC, and then again from 387/6 BC to 370 BC. He was part of the Argead dynasty, a famous royal family.

Amyntas III is most famous for being the father of Philip II. Philip II later became a very important king and was the father of Alexander the Great, one of history's most famous conquerors.

Family Life of King Amyntas III

Macedonian kings often had more than one wife. This helped them make alliances with other kingdoms and have many children. Having many heirs was important to ensure the family line continued.

Wives and Children of Amyntas III

King Amyntas III had two wives: Eurydice and Gygaea. He first married Eurydice, who was the daughter of Sirras from the Lyncestian-Illyrian region. They likely married around 390 BC.

Eurydice gave Amyntas three sons who all became kings of Macedonia. They were Alexander II, Perdiccas III, and Philip II. They also had a daughter named Eurynoe.

Amyntas likely married Gygaea soon after Eurydice. Gygaea had three more sons: Archelaus, Arrhidaeus, and Menelaus. These sons did not become kings.

Adopted Son

Amyntas also adopted an Athenian general named Iphicrates around 386 BC. He did this to honor Iphicrates' military help and his family ties to the Thracian king, Cotys I.

How Amyntas III Became King

Amyntas became king during a difficult time for Macedonia. There had been many changes in leadership before him. His great-grandfather, King Alexander I, died in 454 BC. This led to a period where many kings ruled for short times.

Many of these kings met violent ends. Amyntas took the throne in 393/2 BC. He became king after the previous ruler, Pausanias, was killed. After Amyntas became king, Macedonia had a more stable government for a long time.

Amyntas III as King of Macedon

Soon after he became king, Amyntas III was forced out of his kingdom by the Illyrians. But the next year, with help from the people of Thessalia, he got his kingdom back. A powerful family from Larissa, called the Aleuadae, helped him regain his throne.

Alliances and Trade

To protect his country from the Illyrians, Amyntas made an alliance with the Chalcidian League, led by the city of Olynthus. In return for their help, Amyntas allowed them to use Macedonian timber. This timber was sent to Athens to help build their navy.

The timber trade made Olynthus very rich and powerful. As Olynthus grew stronger, Amyntas looked for more allies. He made connections with Kotys, the leader of the Odrysians.

Wars and Diplomacy

After the King's Peace in 387 BC, Sparta wanted to become powerful in northern Greece again. Amyntas asked Sparta for help against the growing power of Olynthus. Sparta was happy to help because Olynthus was supported by Athens and Thebes, who were rivals to Sparta.

Amyntas made a treaty with the Spartans. They helped him in a war against Olynthus. At first, the Spartan-Macedonian forces lost two battles. But in 379 BC, they managed to defeat Olynthus.

Amyntas also formed an alliance with Jason of Pherae. He worked hard to be friends with Athens. In 371 BC, at a big meeting of Greek allies, Amyntas voted to support Athens. He joined other Greeks in helping Athens get back control of the city of Amphipolis.

With Olynthus defeated, Amyntas could make a treaty with Athens and keep the timber profits for himself. He sent the timber to the house of the Athenian general Timotheus in Piraeus.

Amyntas III died when he was about 50 years old. His eldest son, Alexander II, became the next king.

See Also

In Spanish: Amintas III de Macedonia para niños

• Treaties between Amyntas III and the Chalcidians
• Amyntaio