Meleager (general) facts for kids

Meleager (died 323 BC) was a brave Macedonian officer. He lived a long time ago, around 323 BC. Meleager worked for Alexander the Great, a famous king and conqueror. He was one of Alexander's most experienced generals. He helped Alexander conquer many lands in Asia.

Meleager's Military Career

Meleager's father was named Neoptolemus. We first hear about Meleager in 335 BC. This was during a war against a group called the Getae.

Leading the Phalanx

The next year, in 334 BC, Meleager fought in the Battle of the Granicus. He led a part of the phalanx. A phalanx was a group of soldiers marching close together. They carried long spears. Meleager kept this important job during all of Alexander's campaigns in Asia.

He was also chosen for a special task. He helped lead soldiers who had just gotten married. These soldiers were sent home from Caria to Macedon for the winter. Meleager met Alexander again in Gordium the next summer.

Major Battles and Campaigns

Meleager was a key leader in many big battles. He fought in the Battle of Issus. He also fought in the Battle of Gaugamela. He worked with another general, Craterus. Their job was to clear out enemies guarding the paths into Persia.

Later, Meleager took part in crossing the Hydaspes River. This was during Alexander's campaigns in India. He was involved in many other operations there too.

Meleager and Alexander

Even with all his service, Alexander did not give Meleager a higher rank. Meleager never led a separate army on his own. Some stories say that Alexander and Meleager did not always get along. They might have had disagreements.

For example, Alexander once gave gifts to an Indian prince named Taxiles. Meleager reportedly joked that it was a shame Alexander traveled so far just to give away such expensive gifts. Alexander replied that people who are jealous only hurt themselves.

Politics After Alexander's Death

After Alexander the Great died in 323 BC, there was a big question. Who would be the next king? Meleager was one of the first to speak up. He was in a meeting with other officers.

Choosing a New King

Meleager suggested that Arrhidaeus should become king right away. Arrhidaeus was Alexander's half-brother. Meleager also mentioned Heracles, Alexander's son with Barsine. Meleager did not want to wait. Alexander's wife, Roxana, was pregnant. Meleager did not want to wait to see if she would have a son.

Some people think Meleager wanted a Macedonian king. He did not want a king with Persian family ties. A Roman historian named Justin wrote about Meleager. He said Meleager believed Macedonians should not choose kings from families they had defeated.

Another historian, Curtius, said Meleager spoke strongly against Perdiccas. Perdiccas was another powerful general. Meleager then left the meeting. He went to encourage the soldiers to oppose Perdiccas. The Greek historian, Diodorus, said Meleager was sent to calm the soldiers. Instead, he joined them.

Conflict with Perdiccas

Meleager became a leader against Perdiccas. He took charge of the foot soldiers. These soldiers wanted Arrhidaeus to be king. Meleager even ordered Perdiccas to be killed. But Perdiccas was too quick and stopped it.

Most of the cavalry (soldiers on horseback) and generals sided with Perdiccas. They left Babylon and set up a separate camp. Eventually, they made peace. This happened mostly because of Eumenes, another general. They agreed that Arrhidaeus and Roxana's future son would share royal power. For a while, Meleager would share power with Perdiccas as a regent. A regent is someone who rules for a king who is too young or unable to rule.

Meleager's Death

Meleager and Perdiccas could not stay friends for long. Meleager was not as clever as Perdiccas. Perdiccas tricked Meleager into feeling safe. While Meleager was relaxed, Perdiccas took control of Philip Arrhidaeus.

Then, Perdiccas made his move. He gathered the whole army for a review. Suddenly, the king, told by Perdiccas, demanded that all leaders of the recent troubles be punished. The foot soldiers were surprised. About 300 soldiers who were thought to be mutineers were picked out and killed.

Meleager was not attacked right away. But he ran away and hid in a temple. Perdiccas's men followed him there. Meleager was then killed on Perdiccas's orders.