Heracles of Macedon
| Heracles of Macedon | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 327 BC Persian Empire |
| Died | 309 BC Macedon |
| Father | Alexander the Great |
| Mother | Barsine |
| Dynasty | Argead (claimed) |
| Status | Claimant to the Macedonian throne |
| Occupation | Royal heir (never reigned) |
| Political role | Used by Polyperchon as rival claimant against Cassander |
| Death | Murdered on orders of Cassander |
Heracles, or Hercules, transliterated Herakles (Greek: ἩÏακλá¿Ï; c. 327â¯BC â 309â¯BC) was the elder illegitimate son of Alexander the Great and Barsine, the daughter of the Persian noble Artabazus. His half brother was Alexander IV of Macedon. Although never formally recognized as king, he was considered a potential Agread heir during the Wars of the Diadochi shortly after his brother's murder.
Early Life
Heracles was born shortly after Alexanderâs conquest of Persia. His mother Barsine had been captured early in the campaign and became Alexanderâs companion for a time. Ancient writers such as Plutarch and Diodorus acknowledge Heracles as Alexanderâs son, though his legitimacy was politically contested.
Role in the Succession Crisis
After Alexanderâs death in 323â¯BC, Heracles was not initially put forward as a successor. The Macedonian army instead supported the infant Alexanderâ¯IV, son of Alexander and Roxana. Heracles remained outside the main line of succession until Polyperchon, a senior general, attempted to use him as a rival claimant against Cassander around 309â¯BC.
Death
Heracles was murdered in 309â¯BC. According to Diodorus (19.52) and Justin (15.2), Polyperchon killed Heracles after accepting a bribe from Cassander, who sought to eliminate all remaining heirs of Alexander the Great. Heraclesâ death, along with the earlier murder of Alexander IV, marked the end of the Argead Dynasty.
Original Sources
Ancient accounts of Heraclesâ life and death appear in:
Diodorus Siculus, Bibliotheca Historica (Book 19)
Justin, Epitome of Pompeius Trogus (Book 15)
Plutarch, various references to Barsine and Alexanderâs companions
See Also Alexander the Great