The Assassination of Philip II: A Blood-Soaked Throne

 

The Assassination of Philip II: A Blood-Soaked Throne

Date: 336 BCE

Story:
On the day of his daughter's wedding, King Philip II of Macedon was stabbed to death in broad daylight by his own bodyguard, Pausanias.
But was it just personal revenge—or something more sinister?
Alexander, then just 20, stood to gain everything from his father's death.
Pausanias had grievances, yes—he was reportedly humiliated by Philip and ignored after accusing a nobleman of rape.
But he was also conveniently killed while fleeing, silencing any further testimony.
Olympias, Alexander’s mother, may have played a role.
She despised Philip’s new wife, Cleopatra Eurydice, and feared the loss of Alexander’s succession rights.
After the assassination, Olympias had Cleopatra and her infant daughter burned alive.
Alexander claimed the throne with lightning speed—purging rivals, both real and imagined.
While no solid evidence links Alexander to his father’s murder, many ancient sources whispered of his dark ambition.
The murder that crowned him remains one of history’s most suspicious successions.

Key Characters:

Alexander the Great

King Philip II

Pausanias of Orestis

Olympias

Cleopatra Eurydice

Reference:

Plutarch, Life of Alexander

Justin, Epitome of the Philippic History of Pompeius Trogus

Diodorus Siculus, Bibliotheca Historica