ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

The Assassination of Alexander of Pherae and Its Aftermath in 358 BC

In the year 358 BCE, a pivotal event shook the ancient world: the assassination of Alexander of Pherae, the tyrant of Thessaly. According to historical records, Alexander was murdered by his wife's brother at her instigation. This act not only marked the end of an era in Thessaly but also had far-reaching consequences for the region and its neighboring kingdoms.

The murder of Alexander led to a significant shift in power dynamics in the area. Following his death, Thessaly became increasingly dependent on Macedonia, setting the stage for future conflicts between the two powers. Meanwhile, Philip II, king of Macedonia, continued his military campaigns, expanding his kingdom's borders into Paionia, Pelagonia, Lynkestis, Orestis, Elimiotis, and Parauaia.

In Persia, King Artaxerxes III faced a rebellion by the Kadusians but was able to quell it. In other parts of the ancient world, notable figures were born or died during this time period. For instance, Seleucus I Nicator, a Macedonian general who would go on to found the Seleucid dynasty, was born in 358 BCE.

In Cyprus, Euagoras II succeeded his father Nicocles as king of Salamis around 358-359 BC. This marked an important turning point for the island, which had previously been under the rule of various Greek city-states and Persian satraps.

Key Figures and Events

* Alexander of Pherae: Tyrant of Thessaly who was assassinated in 358 BCE.
* Philip II: King of Macedonia who expanded his kingdom's borders through military campaigns.
* Artaxerxes III: King of Persia who faced a rebellion by the Kadusians but ultimately quelled it.
* Seleucus I Nicator: Macedonian general and founder of the Seleucid dynasty, born in 358 BCE.
* Euagoras II: King of Salamis in Cyprus after the death of his father Nicocles around 358-359 BC.

Timeline

* 358 BCE: Alexander of Pherae is assassinated by his wife's brother at her instigation.
* 358-359 BCE: Euagoras II succeeds his father as king of Salamis in Cyprus.
* 281 BCE: Seleucus I Nicator dies, marking the