Attalus (general) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
General
Attalus
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|---|---|
| Native name |
Ἄτταλος
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| Born | 390 BC Lower Macedonia |
| Died | 336 BC (aged 53-54 years old) |
| Allegiance | Macedonia |
| Rank | General (Strategos) |
| Relations | Cleopatra Eurydice (niece), Parmenion |
Attalus (Greek: Ἄτταλος; born around 390 BC – died 336 BC) was an important general and friend of King Philip II of Macedon. He was from Lower Macedonia and played a big role in the Macedonian court and army.
Contents
Attalus's Family and King Philip II
Attalus was born in Lower Macedonia around 390 BC.
In 338 BC, Attalus's niece, Cleopatra Eurydice, married King Philip II of Macedon. At the wedding, Attalus made a public wish. He hoped that Cleopatra would have a son who would become the next king. This was seen as a big insult to Philip's other son, Alexander the Great, who was expected to be the next king.
In the spring of 336 BC, King Philip II chose Attalus and another general named Parmenion. They were made commanders of an army that would invade the Persian Empire in Asia Minor.
Attalus's Death by Alexander
Soon after, King Philip II was sadly killed. His son, Alexander, then became the new king in October 336 BC. After Alexander took the throne, his stepmother Cleopatra Eurydice and her two children were also killed.
When King Philip died, Attalus was far away in Asia Minor with the Macedonian army. Some stories say that Demosthenes from Athens wrote to Attalus. He supposedly offered Athens' help if Attalus wanted to fight Alexander. However, Attalus showed these letters to Alexander and promised to support the new king.
Even though Attalus tried to show his loyalty, Alexander sent an officer to Asia Minor. This officer was ordered to either kill or arrest Attalus. Alexander likely felt that Attalus was too ambitious and popular with the soldiers in Asia. He also might have wanted revenge for the deaths of Cleopatra Eurydice and her children. Attalus was killed in 336 BC.
Attalus in Popular Culture
- In the 1956 film Alexander the Great, Attalus was played by actor Stanley Baker.
- In the historical fiction books Lion of Macedon (1990) and Dark Prince (1991) by David Gemmell, Attalus is shown as a skilled fighter and later a general for King Philip II.
- In the 2004 film Alexander, Attalus was played by actor Nick Dunning.
See also
In Spanish: Atalo (general) para niños
